The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for Ghana’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to substandard pitch conditions and other technical infractions.
CAF made the decision following observations during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Ghana and Angola on 5 September 2024. The continental body determined that the stadium in Kumasi no longer met the requirements for hosting Category 3 international matches.
The CAF inspection team identified several problems, with the playing field being the primary concern. The pitch had deteriorated significantly, featuring uneven surfaces, poor drainage and inadequate grass cover.
In a letter to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), CAF noted that it had previously expressed concerns about the stadium’s condition. The body highlighted persistent issues at Baba Yara and other Ghanaian venues, including Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.
Given the absence of other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, the GFA has been asked to select an alternative venue outside the country for Matchdays 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
CAF recommended that Ghanaian authorities “conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards”. The body also advised stadium management to engage experienced companies to undertake the necessary refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
The continental body expressed its willingness to support Ghana in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards, offering to provide an international pitch consultant at the GFA’s expense.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with a capacity exceeding 40,000, has previously hosted World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches. The GFA has pledged to work with the government to address the issues and restore the stadium’s status.
The withdrawal of approval means Ghana must find alternative venues for upcoming international matches, including the AFCON qualifiers.
