By Simon Asare
Accra, Sept. 11, GNA – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has urged the Ghanaian government to invest in upgrading football facilities to meet international standards.
This comes after Africa’s football governing body withdrew approval for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to technical infractions.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which recently hosted Ghana’s 1-0 loss against Angola, has received widespread criticism for its poor and unsuitable playing field.
In a letter to the Ghana Football Association, the CAF expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the Baba Yara Stadium and has withdrawn its approval.
“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.
CAF also expressed its commitment to support Ghana in ensuring that its stadiums meet international standards by providing a pitch consultant with major experience in major competitions.
The withdrawal of Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host international matches means Ghana would have to find a suitable stadium for their upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Sudan in October.
GNA