STAFF WRITER
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has turned down Zimbabwe’s request to allow a limited number of supporters into the National Sports Stadium for the country’s FIFA World Cup 2022TM qualifier against Ghana.
CAF indicated that its decision was based on the review of Zimbabwe’s compliance to expected stadium requirements, safety and security as well as medical issues at the National Sports Stadium.
National Sports Stadium is currently hosting senior men’s international games on a temporary approval, having been deemed unfit in March 2020.
While FIFA COVID-19 match protocols clearly state that all matches during the pandemic must be played behind closed doors, special exemptions to allow spectators into the stadium have been granted to nations with facilities that satisfy required standards.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association appeals to government to accelerate renovations at the stadium so that football stakeholders can fully benefit from the massive commercial, social & entertainment potential of the game,” said Zimbabwe Football Association Communications and Competitions Manager Xolisani Gwesela.
ZIFA made a similar application before the Warriors World Cup qualifier against South Africa on the opening day of the qualifiers and that request was also shot down by CAF on similar grounds.
