CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Stadium

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to significant technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field. 

The decision follows CAF’s inspection after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola on September 5, 2024.

CAF identified several critical issues with the stadium, most notably the poor condition of the playing surface. The field had deteriorated significantly, featuring uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover, rendering it unsuitable for competitive international matches. These deficiencies were highlighted during the recent fixture, leading to CAF's decision to revoke the stadium's Category 3 status.

The Baba Yara Stadium, which holds over 40,000 spectators and has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON fixtures, no longer meets the standards required by CAF for international competition. In a statement, CAF expressed disappointment with the condition of the facility and urged Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrades.

Long-standing concerns

A letter from CAF noted that concerns had been raised about the stadium’s condition prior to the match. It also referenced ongoing issues at other key venues in Ghana, including Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.

“Persistent issues at this venue, as well as others in Ghana, have been noted,” the CAF letter stated. As no other CAF-approved Category 3 stadium exists in Ghana, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been asked to select alternative venues for upcoming AFCON qualifiers from CAF-approved locations outside the country.

Call for urgent action

CAF has recommended that Ghana’s authorities conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums to ensure they comply with technical standards. 

The organisation also advised immediate engagement with experienced companies to refurbish the Baba Yara Stadium and bring it up to CAF/FIFA standards. 

CAF expressed its willingness to provide assistance, including offering an international pitch consultant to guide the necessary improvements.

The GFA will bear the costs of this support, and once renovations are complete, CAF will conduct an independent inspection, at the GFA's request and expense, to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future international matches.

Ghana’s football future

The withdrawal of CAF approval presents a significant challenge for Ghana, which will now have to find alternative venues for its upcoming AFCON qualifiers and other international fixtures. In response, the GFA has pledged to collaborate with the government to address the issues and restore the Baba Yara Stadium to its former standing.

This latest development adds pressure on Ghanaian authorities to improve sports infrastructure ahead of key international competitions, as the nation faces the prospect of playing crucial matches outside its borders.