Wales offered reassurance over 'below standard' Israel pitch

The Sammy Ofar Stadium is home to Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Haifa FC

Wales have been reassured by the Israeli FA that the pitch in Haifa will be up to standard in time for the Euro 2016 qualifier there next month.

Manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Osian Roberts visited the ground and had concerns over the playing surface.

"The pitch wasn't up to the standard we expected it to be. It gives way under feet. It's a new pitch and it hasn't had time to stabilise," said Roberts.

Second-placed Wales face the Group B leaders on 28 March.

"We were reassured that they will be doing everything they possibly can to make sure that the pitch is up to the standard it needs to be for such an important international game" added Roberts.

"One of the problems that they have is that they get too much sunlight. On the night we hope the pitch won't be a factor."

The Sammy Ofer Stadium opened in August 2014.

Wales have already had pitch problems in during their qualifying campaign.

Coleman described the 3G pitch in Andorra for their opening qualifying game as "worst pitch I've ever experienced in professional football."

Wales, who are one point behind Israel, will monitor the situation over the next four weeks.

Israel top the group with maximum points from victories over Cyprus, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Andorra.

Wales are also unbeaten, but have played one more game.