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NFL players are turning up the pressure on the league to ditch artificial turf for good. Dozens of players are pushing for permanent grass surfaces across the league, and they've got ammunition — eleven NFL stadiums successfully hosted World Cup matches on natural grass this summer, and the players want that to stick.
Speaking of the World Cup, MetLife Stadium is under the microscope after being awarded the right to host this summer's final. North America correspondent Nada Tawfik has been digging into whether New Jersey's massive venue was truly the right call, with rival stadiums making compelling cases of their own. The debate is real, and it isn't going away quietly.
Meanwhile across the Atlantic, Aston Villa are moving fast and moving smart. Portuguese international midfielder Joao Palhinha is expected in England today to finalize his summer move to Villa Park, giving Unai Emery a seasoned anchor in the middle of the park as Villa push hard to compete at the top of the table next season.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
