- FIFA confirms $260,000+ funding for Ghana pitch maintenance
- Funds aimed to improve pitch conditions for women's football
- CAF bans Baba Yara stadium from international matches
- Poor pitch conditions persist despite significant investment
FIFA has confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) received over $260,000 for the maintenance of grass pitches in the country.
The funds were allocated for the “installation of boreholes and water tanks” to improve pitch conditions.
FIFA’s website revealed that the funds benefited Women’s Premier League and regional women’s clubs, as well as the purchase of footballs for youth and regional development.
The initiative supported regional women’s teams, where many of the U-20 national players began their careers.
However, the current state of the pitches has sparked debate, with many questioning their suitability for hosting even a Black Stars training session.
FIFA clarified that the funds were used to maintain natural grass pitches at 80 venues across Ghana, meeting minimum club licensing requirements.
The total support amounted to $267,273, with the installation of boreholes and water tanks ensuring venues met the required standards.
Despite this, CAF prohibited the use of Baba Yara stadium for CAF/FIFA International matches due to the pitch’s poor condition.
CAF advised a complete reconstruction of the playing surface, citing that it did not meet the required standards for senior international matches.
The Ghana FA had previously announced the approval of the “Ghana Football Association Borehole Project” by FIFA, aiming to improve pitch quality through borehole installation.
