CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revoked its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to significant technical shortcomings, most notably an unsuitable playing field.

This decision was made following a recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, where CAF officials observed that the stadium fell short of the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.

The CAF team identified several critical issues, including a playing field in disarray, characterized by uneven surfaces, inadequate drainage, and insufficient grass cover.

These deficiencies render the field unfit for competitive matches. Notably, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with a capacity of over 40,000, has previously hosted prominent matches, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON games.

CAF officials expressed disappointment and concern over the stadium's condition, emphasizing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.

This decision serves as a wake-up call for the necessary renovations to ensure the stadium meets the required criteria, enabling it to host high-profile matches in the future. The CAF's letter highlighted earlier concerns about the playing field's state, underscoring the urgency for improvements.

“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.”

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been directed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to select an alternative venue outside of Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers, due to the absence of a CAF-approved Category 3 stadium in the country. This decision affects Matchday 3 and 4 of the qualifiers, requiring the GFA to choose a suitable venue from CAF's approved list of international stadiums.

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.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has offered support to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to upgrade the country's stadiums to meet international standards. CAF will provide an expert consultant to guide the renovation process, with the GFA covering the costs. Once the renovations are complete, CAF will conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium's suitability.

However, due to the current subpar conditions, Ghana must find alternative venues for upcoming international matches, including AFCON qualifiers. The GFA has pledged to collaborate with the government to address the issues and restore the stadium to its former glory.

This collaborative effort aims to ensure Ghana's stadiums meet the required standards, enabling the country to host future international matches.

Source: HR Forum News