The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned two stadiums in the Democratic Republic of Congo for failing to meet several international standard requirements to host FIFA & CAF international matches.
#RDC: TP MAZEMBE, seul stade congolais approuvé pour une utilisation dans toutes les compétitions de la CAF.
Stade des Martyrs: la qualité globale des travaux qui ont été achevés dans le stade n'est pas satisfaisante selon les normes requises pour un stade moderne. pic.twitter.com/wJHGYznLJZ
— Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala (@StanysBujakera) February 10, 2023
The ban of Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi and Stade de Martyrs leaves the DRC with only one facility – Stade de Mazembe as approved for international fixtures.
This means all Congolese club and national team fixtures will either be played at Stade de Mazembe, or neigbouring countries Zambia and Congo Brazzaville.
Lupopo are based in Lubumbashi but have used Stade de Martyrs for their CAF fixtures. Teams like AS Vita and Motema Pembe may seek refugee Congo Brazzaville. Kinshasa and Brazzaville are only separated by a river.
CAF Congolese clubs involved in CAF inter-clubs competition up to tomorrow to choose another stadium that meets the standards.
Only TP Mazembe Stadium is approved and well equipped to host international matches. CAF found that Kibasa Maliba Stadium was being well developed but was found wanting in the standards of the playing surface, lockers and conference room.
In the capital Kinshasa, Stade de Martyr’s is missing necessary equipment including proper parameter wire that enhances player and match officials security in addition to poorly maintained dressing rooms.
