“We have envisaged, though it’s not yet a final decision, that the 2010 World Cup could be played on artificial turf,” Blatter told BBC Sport.

And Blatter also suggested future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments should be played on artificial turf.

“I think it’s now time in this region to think about artificial turf,” said the head of football’s governing body.

Many players and coaches dislike artificial pitches arguing the surface is disadvantageous to teams that are not used to playing on them.

Under the “Win in Africa with Africa” project, FIFA is laying an artificial pitch in all 53 of its member countries on the continent, with the exception of South Africa.

Playing surfaces in many African countries can be badly affected during the rainy and dry seasons.

“An artificial pitch gives you the same conditions during the whole year,” said Blatter.