CAF makes u-turn on stadium ban
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has U-turned on its earlier ban of stadiums, including Bingu National Stadium (BNS)in Lilongwe, for purported failure to meet minimum standards and has since urged affected associations not to panic.
The development should be a relief to FCB Nyasa Bullets’ CAF Champions League and the Flames’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers as they are sure of playing their matches at home.
In the latest communication from CAF tournaments and events director Samson Adamu which we have seen, the continental football governing body says the associations affected by the stadiums not approved, including BNS should not panic since the list is not final as the process is ongoing and there is a possibility of approving the facilities before interclub and Afcon qualifiers.
The statement reads in part: “So, please any federation that their stadium is not listed as pre-approved, there is no major concern if you think that your stadium is up to the required standards within the deadline [of July 19] set by CAF.”
CAF published two lists of pre-approved stadiums, one for the first and second preliminary rounds of the CAF inter clubs 2024-25 qualifiers.
CAF has also published a list of pre-approved stadia for the 2025 Afcon qualifying match day one to six, in both communications and Bingu Stadium is missing.
However, CAF has asked affected associations to follow inspection procedures if they feel their stadia deserve a second chance.
The statement reads further: “The list is subject to ongoing stadium assessment, stadium inspection procedures put in place by CAF and any federation wanting to have its stadium approved that is not in that list, it’s still possible.
“They just have to follow the procedure, which is that the club licensing manager of the federation should conduct a pre-inspection of that stadium and submit the information or the report in the club in the online platform stadium module along with all the information, the checklist and also the link of the photos in the system. So, the club licensing manager are very much aware of this procedure is not new.
“Always the club licensing manager should proceed and conduct the pre inspection and then submit that pre inspection in the online platform in the stadium module for the club.”
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Ministry of Youth and Sports say they are following the guidelines from CAF.
FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said: “We are currently working on our own inspection and should send report by end of the week.”
Ministry of Sports spokesperson MacMillan Mwale in an interview yesterday said they had already started working on the pitch to comply with CAF requirements.
He said: “We are following this guidance as we work closely with FAM. The stadium to us is in good condition and we are optimistic that CAF will consider us in the final list upon meeting the set down requirements.”
Bullets are expected to host Zambia’s Red Arrows in CAF Champions League preliminary round next month.
