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TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian Soccer Association opposes a request for an expedited hearing on whether using artificial turf in the 2015 Women's World Cup discriminates against women.
A group of elite female players filed a complaint last week with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, asking for an expedited hearing. The CSA, which doubles as national organizing committee of the tournament, and FIFA were given until Thursday to respond to the request to expedite the hearing.
In its response, released Friday, the CSA said: "The Canadian Soccer Association is prepared to vigorously defend its position and believes the complaint is entirely without merit. It should not however have to do so in an expedited process."
The CSA argues that FIFA-approved artificial turf is sanctioned for tournament play, noting the world governing body of soccer "does not distinguish between male and female players in the application of those standards."
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