Cape Coast unfit to host FIFA matches, Medeama, Black Stars forced to relocate

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a ban on the Cape Coast Stadium after being declared unfit for hosting international matches.

As a consequence, Ghanaian champions Medeama have been forced to relocate their CAF Champions' League group matches to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, as their alternative venue.

The closure of the Cape Coast Stadium will also impact Ghana's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, with the Black Stars set to remain in Kumasi as their preferred home ground. 

The order for closure was contained in a report to the Ghana Football Association by the Technical Development Director of CAF, Raul Chipenda, following an inspection of the facility by the continental body. It cited a litany of shortcomings and deficiencies and recommendation for essential renovation and upgrades to meet compliance requirements.

The key concerns raised in the CAF report include issues with the stadium's functionality, design, comfort, and the quality of equipment. 

The inspection report concluded that several areas in the stadium required an uplift and renovation in accordance with the CAF requirements, indicating that the stadium must be refurbished to fit the modern football stadium requirements and standards.

 CAF also recommended that only companies with proven track record in construction and renovation of modern stadia should be engaged to execute the recommended refurbishment.

“Based on the inspection report, we regret to inform you that the stadium does not meet the set CAF stadium minimum requirements to host CAF Senior International matches," the report said.
Mr Chipenda said the facility would only be approved if all their recommendations were strictly met after re-inspection. 

Since the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff with Nigeria last year, Kumasi has become the preferred home ground for competitive matches involving the Black Stars, having previously played their matches in Cape Coast.

Medeama hosted Remo Stars of Nigeria and Horoya AC of Guinea at the Cape Coast Stadium in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. As a result of the new CAF directive, the 'Mauve and Yellow' will host Group D rivals, CR Belouizad, in Kumasi on December 1, Young Africans on December 8, and Al Ahly on February 23, next year.