We have FIFA-standard pitches in Ghana – Sports Minister challeges CAF

• Posted on September 25, 2024September 25, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has refuted claims by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that Ghana lacks FIFA-standard pitches to host Black Stars matches.

This follows CAF’s recent ban on the Baba Yara Stadium, the only approved venue for international games, due to non-compliance with required standards.

With Ghana now racing against time to secure a venue for the Black Stars’ crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier againstFIFA-standard pitches Sudan on October 11, reports have suggested that Ghana may have to play the match outside the country, potentially in Ivory Coast.

However, the Sports Minister has challenged CAF’s assertion, stating that Ghana has FIFA-standard pitches in Cape Coast, Accra, and Kumasi.

“It’s not that we don’t have FIFA-standard pitches in Ghana; we do have FIFA-standard pitches in Cape Coast, Accra, and Kumasi,” Ussif said while addressing Parliament’s Sports Select Committee on Tuesday, September 24.

He further explained that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had requested CAF to inspect both the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, but they are still awaiting a response.

“We have written to CAF requesting an inspection of the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, and they have yet to respond,” Ussif added.

With Ghana facing the possibility of hosting the match in Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast, the Sports Ministry remains hopeful that CAF will approve one of the local venues.