Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has voiced his dismay over CAF’s decision to place a ban on the Baba Yara Sports Stadium from hosting international matches until it undergoes necessary renovations, describing it as a “national embarrassment.”
His statement comes in response to the recent directive that Ghana’s home games be moved outside the country due to the poor state of the nation’s football pitches.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride,” Appiah tweeted, urging football authorities to take swift action.
This controversy follows the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to revoke the license of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, rendering it unfit to host international matches until necessary renovations are completed. The poor condition of the pitch has forced the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider alternative venues outside Ghana, sparking public outcry and frustration.
In response to CAF’s ban, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, has instructed the GFA to request CAF to inspect the Legon Stadium as a potential venue for future qualifiers. The Legon Stadium, which underwent renovations for the 2023 African Games, hosted several football matches during the competition and could be a suitable alternative to Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium.
The directive, issued by the Sports Ministry on Thursday, September 12, is part of efforts to ensure Ghana retains the ability to host its own international matches.
Stephen Appiah‘s criticism highlights the broader concerns about the state of football infrastructure in the country, with many fans and stakeholders echoing his call for immediate improvements.
Source: InsiderGH.com
