The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn the approval for the Baba Yara Stadium Sports in Kumasi, Ghana.
The withdrawal is due to technical violations, including an unsuitable playing field.
CAF reached the decision after observations during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, 2024.
The Federation, in its observation, noted that the stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.
Officials from CAF identified several issues, including a playing field that was deemed unsuitable for competitive matches.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the stadium, citing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.
“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.”
Ghana is now required 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.
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 expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana (through the GFA) in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches, offering to assist by providing an international pitch consultant with experience in major international competitions, including AFCON, to offer additional expert guidance on the necessary improvements. The cost of this support would be borne by the GFA.
It added that once the needed renovation works were completed, it would, at the GFA’s request and expense, conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana