Soccer's players union says poor pitches will give more players reason to leave the A-League Women after Western Sydney players lashed the quality of Newcastle's home surface in their season opener.
The Suncorp Stadium pitch is also under scrutiny after Friday's A-League Men game between Brisbane and Sydney was played just six days after a concert.
Sunday's women's game was moved from the No.2 Sportsground to Cessnock Sportsground because the former's pitch was not ready for play.
But after their 2-2 draw on Sunday, Western Sydney players were damning of the playing surface when surveyed by Professional Football Australia (PFA).
Wanderers players found the Cessnock pitch too hard, too fast and gave it the minimum rating of one star for its smoothness and overall quality.
One player told the PFA it was one of the worst pitches they had played on.
Others noted the grass in the goal mouths was uneven, while there were sandy patches on the pitch.
Players said their boots and other gear had green stains after the match because the pitch appeared to have been spray-painted green.
"The PFA's recent A-League Women report revealed the threat to our league's talent posed by rapidly advancing women's leagues overseas and other sports here," PFA co-chief executive Beau Busch said in a statement.
"We cannot afford to be giving our players more reason to leave.
“The quality of the playing surface afforded to the players is critical.
"It is impossible for any player to play to their best when a fundamental component of football is hijacked.
“Over the weekend the pitches at Cessnock Sportsground and Suncorp were well below the standard the players rightfully expect.”
Cessnock's pitch was deemed safe and playable by the match commissioner and officials on Sunday.
It was used for a pre-season friendly between Newcastle and Central Coast, while Jets players trained there during the week without complaint.
Sydney beat Brisbane 3-2 on a patchwork-coloured deck at Suncorp Stadium, six days after US rap artist Travis Scott's October 26 concert in front of 46,773 fans.
"It was tough, football in Australia doesn't seem to get the priority with concerts on and whatnot," Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, a member of the PFA executive, told AAP.
"I can't really recall AFL teams or NRL teams playing in stadiums that have had concerts on. We get the stiff end of the deal.
"But having said that, it was the same for both teams, and we had to make the most of it. We did that and got the three points."
Turf under the stage area was replaced after the concert, and stadium and Roar officials completed an inspection last Thursday and determined the surface safe and playable.
"Infrastructure and venue challenges are ones that our code faces as a whole," an Australian Professional Leagues spokesperson said in a statement.
"We continue to work with clubs, Football Australia and state governments to push for investment into new football infrastructure, facilities and stadia to enhance playing venues across the country.”
