Shameful as CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium over poor pitch and others
Given Ghana’s achievements in football, this news is likely disappointing for many Ghanaians. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana.
CAF cited technical violations, including an unsuitable playing field, as the main reasons for their decision.
This decision followed CAF’s observations during Ghana’s match against Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 5, 2024, when the Black Stars lost 1-0. After reviewing the stadium, CAF concluded that it did not meet the standards required for hosting Category 3 international matches.
Among the specific issues were an uneven playing surface, poor drainage, and inadequate grass coverage.
“It is important to note that, prior to the match, CAF had raised concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures. Similar concerns have also been noted at other venues in Ghana, such as the Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium,” CAF stated in a letter.
In the letter, CAF recommended that relevant authorities “conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.” They further advised that the stadium management hire experienced companies to undertake the necessary renovations to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
Given the lack 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 outside of Ghana for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers. CAF expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana (through the GFA) in upgrading its stadiums to the required standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches. They also offered to provide an international pitch consultant with experience in major international competitions, including AFCON, to assist with the improvements. The cost of this support would be borne by the GFA.
CAF further stated that once the necessary renovations are completed, it would, at the GFA’s request and expense, conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches. With the withdrawal of CAF’s approval, Ghana must now find alternative venues for upcoming international fixtures, including the AFCON qualifiers. The Ghana Football Association has promised to work with the government to address these issues and restore the stadium to its former status.
Before CAF’s withdrawal, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with a seating capacity of over 40,000, had hosted several high-profile matches, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON games.
