AFCON Qualifiers: Sports Ministry Wants Accra and Legon Stadiums Inspected
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to request an inspection of two Ghanaian stadiums by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the withdrawal of Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s international match hosting right.
The Ministry is seeking to use either the Accra Sports Stadium or the newly-built University of Ghana Stadium in the Greater Accra Region to host Sudan next month.
The Minister therefore wants them inspected by CAF as he is confident that they will meet the standard to host the qualifier.
“The Minister has directed the National Sports Authority (NSA) to take steps to resolve issues with the pitch and further instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to immediately request CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly-built University of Ghana Stadium, for approval as Category 3 match venues, for use by the Black Stars in its next international match in October.
“Most issues identified by CAF at the Accra Sports Stadium during a previous inspection have been resolved; while the University of Ghana Stadium has already hosted CAF Category 2 matches, but the stadium, since inauguration, is yet to be inspected by CAF’s independent inspectors for consideration as a suitable category 3 match venue, in accordance with CAF’s Stadium Regulations.”
In the meantime, the Ministry says a directive has been given to the National Sports Authority (NSA) to work on upgrading the Baba Yara Stadium to meet the standards required for CAF Category 3 matches.
Withdrawal
The CAF in a letter charged Ghana to find a new venue outside the country to host their October home game against Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as it noted that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is not fit for purpose.
Until then, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium held a right to host Category 3 international matches, but it was stripped after officials of the Confederation observed the deteriorated and poor state of the venue based in Kumasi.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) communicated the decision by CAF to the public on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
CAF as part of the remedy, directed Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.
The letter from CAF 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 African football governing body also expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana 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.
CAF went on to indicate 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.
