Nyayo, Kasarani stadia banned from hosting international competitions
Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has banned Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums respectively from hosting any International competitions.
FIFA ruled that both stadias are of substandard quality and should not be used in any international fixtures.
"In reference to the inspection visit conducted by CAF in Moi International Sports Center Kasarani as part of the stadium's assessment for homologation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - African qualifiers, 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 match day 5 and 6,” a statement by FIFA read.
The new directive by FIFA will force Kenya to host fixtures in neighbouring countries, as the two stadiums failed to meet inspection requirements set aside by the world governing body.
Nyayo Stadium, which recently underwent an upgrade, was handed a partial reprieve after CAF allowed the staging of two games in the stadium.
However, Kenya Premier League champions Tusker and rivals Gor Mahia will not be allowed to host their CAF Confederation Cup fixtures at the stadia.
Other areas the stadium's fell short include a poor pitch, inadequate floodlights for night games, substandard referee's dressing room and lack of a fully equipped dedicated room for first aid.
FIFA further directed the relevant authorities to conduct a complete renovation of the stadium, in order to ensure that it is approved in the future for any 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 and 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," FIFA said.
The football governing body also directed the authorities to ensure the floodlight's capacity is according to the CAF match requirements.
“The floodlight's capacity is around 500 Lux. For evening matches, ensure that the floodlights LUX capacity is according to the CAF match requirements: A minimum of 1200 Lux should be provided all over the pitch, covering uniformly every area of the playing field,” FIFA added.
The ban comes just a month after Kenya hosted the World U20 Championships at the Kasarani Stadium and World Athletics U18 championship in July 2017 at the same stadium.
