The Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, has lost its accreditation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a result of technical issues, including an improper playing ground.
The decision was taken in response to observations made by CAF during the most recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game, which took place at Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, 2024, between Ghana and Angola. These findings led to the conclusion that the stadium did not fulfill the necessary requirements to hold international matches under Category 3.
The CAF team found a number of problems, one of which being that the field was not fit for competitive play.
The playing field at the stadium has severely deteriorated, with uneven surfaces, minimal grass cover, and poor drainage.
The Baba Yara Stadium in Ghana, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, has been criticized by CAF officials for its state of play. The stadium has been deemed unsuitable for hosting top-tier international fixtures, and CAF has requested the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
CAF has also recommended a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards. The stadium management is advised to engage experienced companies for refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards. CAF is committed to supporting Ghana in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches, offering to provide an international pitch consultant with experience in major international competitions.
Once renovation works are completed, CAF will conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.
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