The eSwatini FA government has called on the Confederation of African Football [CAF] to reconsider its decision to ban Somhlolo Stadium citing “the stresses faced by small economies” like the tiny Kingdom “in the aftermath of Covid-19”.
They were responding to the decision by CAF not to approve the usage of Somhlolo for hosting senior international football matches. This followed an inspection conducted by CAF on the facility during the week of 2-6 May 2022.
The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, as well as stadium owners, and the eSwatini FA met on Wednesday morning to discuss a way forward on the matter.
“Both parties agree that this is a disappointing outcome that will have serious implications on the sustainability of local football, particularly with regard to international participation,” said the country’s Ministry of Sports in a statement released on Wednesday.
“It is particularly important to highlight that Government has already addressed most of the issues that CAF had flagged during earlier inspections of the Somhlolo stadium. This includes the installation of a new FIFA-standard artificial turf; rehabilitation of dressing, media and medical rooms; revamping of VIP suites; installation of new floodlights; construction of a new media tribune and revamping of the Public Address (PA) system, among other things. Government has already spent over E30 million on these renovations, with at least E30 million more already set aside to continue with further rehabilitation.
“It is also worth mentioning that most of the areas of concern that the latest CAF inspection report highlights are new and, as such, will require more funds and time in order to be properly addressed. For example, the report highlights a need to “explore the possibility of renovating completely the players’ tunnel.” Such work may require the complete demolition of huge parts of the entire main stand,” read the statement.
The Ministry has encouraged the EFA to appeal this decision to CAF as its implications will be detrimental not just to national teams but also to our
football clubs who have always shown a strong desire to participate in CAF inter-club competitions.
“The demands articulated by CAF in the latest report will require extensive work, in turn requiring millions more. Realistically, it may take years for all these demands to be met thus condemning our national teams and clubs to hosting away from home for
the foreseeable future,” said the Ministry.
“It is not an exaggeration to suspect that this decision may ultimately compel our clubs and national teams to stay away from international competitions due to the exorbitant costs it will come with. This is against the spirit of inclusion that sport should be based on.
“It is our wish that CAF reconsiders its decision, considering the stresses faced by small economies like ours, particularly in the aftermath of Covid-19.”
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