The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially deemed Cape Coast Stadium unsuitable for hosting CAF interclub competitions for the current season. The decision came after CAF refused to approve the stadium for use by Medeama and Dreams FC for their respective group matches.
Medeama, who had previously used the venue for the preliminary round games in the Champions League, intended to continue using it for the group stage matches. Similarly, Dreams FC had opted for Cape Coast Stadium over Accra Sports Stadium as their home ground. However, CAF found the stadium did not meet the required minimum standards for hosting CAF Senior international matches.
In a statement addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo and sent to Medeama and Dreams, CAF recommended that both clubs select an alternative venue, with Baba Yara Stadium being the likely choice. The Baba Yara Stadium is currently the only approved CAF stadium in Ghana and has hosted all of the Black Stars’ games since its renovation was completed late last year.
“The inspection report concluded that several areas in the [Cape Coast] stadium require an uplift and renovation in accordance with CAF requirements, overall indicating that the stadium must be refurbished to fit the modern football stadium requirements and standards,” the statement read.
“Additionally, the functionality, design, comfort and the quality of equipment in the stadiums are currently of great concern. As a result, CAF recommends the closure of the stadium for renovations, while ensuring the hiring of experienced companies with a proven track record in construction and renovation of modern football stadiums, that can provide adequate technical consultancy, architectural support, and operational guidance to perform the required upgrades in accordance with CAF requirements. In particular, the general refurbishment plan in the stadium should be based on modern architecture, contemporary design, and high-quality materials with a clear project plan and specific timelines.”
Medeama have been drawn in the same group as the CAF Champions record holders Al Ahly, Algerian champions CR Belouizdad, and Yanga FC of Tanzania, while Dreams FC will compete against Rivers United from Nigeria, Club Africain from Tunisia, and APC Lobito from Angola in the CAF Confederation Cup. Both competitions are set to commence in late November.