Kenya has been banned from hosting international soccer games by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) because of substandard stadiums.
The continental football governing body’s decisions follows the government’s failure to upgrade its stadiums to meet international standards.
A letter seen by Ducor Sports indicates that CAF have extended the ban to Nyayo Stadium which has been given a temporary approval to host their last 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
“Reference to the inspection visit conducted by CAF at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani as part of the stadiums’ assessment for homologation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers,” a letter from CAF reads.
“Based on the inspection report, we regret to inform you that the stadium did not meet the set minimum CAF stadium requirements and consequently will not be approved for the qualifying matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matchday five & six.
“Unfortunately, following the various temporary approvals given by CAF for the use of Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium in CAF competitions, the stadium still lacks several CAF criteria and requirements in order to properly host international senior competitions.
“As a result, we have taken the following decision: formal prohibition is made to use the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani for the remaining qualifying matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“In addition to the above, please note that until the implementation of all the requirements, a decision has also been taken not to allow the stadium to host other CAF men’s senior national teams and CAF men’s interclub competitions.
“Based on the stadium ban decision, the stadium authorities should consider initiating a complete renovation and refurbishment work of the stadium, in order to ensure that the stadium is approved in the future for CAF competitions.
“We recommend that the renovation plan is based on modern architecture, contemporary design, and quality materials with a clear project plan and specific timelines. In order for CAF to follow the progress of the renovation works, we ask your federation to provide an action plan with the tasks and deadlines for the completion of the works in the stadium.
“Based on the inspection report, the stadium continues to lack CAF criteria and requirements in order to properly host international competitions, while the recommendations and remarks addressed to your federation in the context of previous inspections have not been fully implemented.
“As a result, we have taken the following decision: Grant temporary approval for the use of Nyayo National Stadium in the qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matchday five & six.
Kenya has only two stadia that could host an international game — the Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
CAF’s decison means the Harambee Stars will begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the edition that comes after next year’s finals in Cameroon.
African football has long been blighted by poor stadium facilities and sub-standard pitches and CAF have steadily shown more resolve in banning venues.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya and Uganda have had their main stadiums rejected but have been be able to play at home at smaller, alternate venues.
