The Football Association is urging Football League clubs to reconsider their ban on artificial pitches, it can be revealed.

FA general secretary Alex Horne says both the Football League and the Conference should look again at their policy on 3G and other good quality artificial surfaces.

The issue is expected to be discussed at the league’s summer meeting in Portugal on June 5, and comes after the FA announced it will allow artificial pitches in all rounds of the FA Cup from next season.

Horne said: “I would urge the Football League and the Conference to look at this issue again.

“Clubs are becoming increasingly attracted to 3G pitches and we have now said they can be used in all rounds of the FA Cup which removes one of the obstacles to professional clubs having them.

“I understand this will be looked at again at the Football League’s annual meeting in Portugal.”

The Football League clubs voted against artificial pitches in 2012 despite there being a majority in League Two in favour. The FA’s decision on the FA Cup may change attitudes however.

FIFA and UEFA already allow artificial pitches all the way up to international competitions.

There are around 600 good quality artificial pitches in England at the moment, but the FA’s policy on facilities is to encourage local clubs to install 3G or later generation surfaces rather than grass.

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