Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
The decision was made after observations made by CAF during the recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024. Based on these observations, it was determined that the stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.
The CAF team identified several issues, including a playing field that was deemed unsuitable for competitive matches. The stadium’s playing field had deteriorated significantly, with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.
The Baba Yara Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, has hosted several high-profile matches in the past, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches.
CAF officials expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the stadium, citing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.
A letter from CAF noted earlier concerns expressed by the continental body about the state of the playing field.
“It is important to note that, prior to the match, CAF had expressed concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures. Persistent issues at this venue, as well as others in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have also been noted.”
Given the absence of any other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, CAF has requested the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue from among those approved by CAF outside Ghana for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The letter from CAF also recommended that the relevant authorities “conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.” Additionally, CAF advised that the stadium management engage experienced companies immediately to undertake the necessary refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
CAF has promised to help Ghana, through the GFA, upgrade its stadiums to meet the standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches by offering the services of an international pitch consultant with experience in major competitions, such as AFCON, to provide expert advice on the needed improvements. The GFA would cover the expense of this assistance.
CAF stated that it would conduct an independent inspection of the stadium’s suitability for future matches upon completion of necessary renovation works, at the request and expense of the GFA.
Ghana will need to search for other locations for future international matches, including the AFCON qualifiers, following the removal of approval. The Ghana Football Association has pledged to collaborate with the Government to resolve the problems and refurbish the stadium to its previous glory.
credit: GFA Communications
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