The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revoked the approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to technical violations, including an inadequate playing field.
This decision followed the assessments made by CAF during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, held at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024. CAF determined that the stadium did not meet the necessary standards to host Category 3 international matches.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which can seat over 40,000 spectators, has previously hosted several significant matches, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON games.
CAF officials expressed their displeasure with the condition of the stadium and emphasized the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading it to international standards.
CAF’s letter highlighted earlier concerns about the playing field’s condition.
“Before the match, CAF had already raised concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures. Similar issues at other venues in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have also been noted.”
With no other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, CAF has asked the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue outside Ghana from those approved by CAF for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
CAF’s letter recommended that the authorities “carry out a thorough evaluation of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they meet CAF’s technical standards.” Additionally, CAF advised the stadium management to immediately engage experienced companies to undertake the necessary renovations to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
CAF stated that once the necessary renovations are completed, they would conduct an independent inspection, at the GFA’s request and expense, to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.
The withdrawal of approval means Ghana must find alternative venues for upcoming international matches, including the AFCON qualifier, against Sudan, in October.