Governing Bodies
State of Cape Coast pitch gets NFF’s attention
It is two weeks to the first leg match of the Ghana-Nigeria World Cup play-off in Cape Coast. But the pitch of the arena is in deplorable state that could prompt CAF to cancel the initial approval given to the arena to host the match.
It was gathered that the Ghana Independence Day Celebration held at the arena had adverse effects on the pitch and Ghanaian authorities are battling to retore the pitch.
According to reports gathered from Nigeria’s ThisDay publication, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that they are monitoring the developments regarding the deplorable state of the pitch that will host the March 25th in Ghana.
Over the last few days, the Ghana Media had raised concern on the state of the pitch which hosted the country’s independency ceremony last week and doubt if the turf will allow free flow of football in the 90 minutes of play against its eternal rival, Super Eagles of Nigeria.
However, Thisday gathered from the Glasshouse that the secretariat had informed the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on the development and it has received assurance that the continental football body is monitoring the host FA on the need to return the playing turf back to the global standard.
“Yes, we are not waiting to find excuse where there is none and because of this, we have regular update on the coming match in Cape Coast and we are aware of the state of the pitch which will not be conducive for our players to play at their best hence, we have notified CAF on the development.
“The response from CAF is also encouraging because they have assured Nigeria that they are monitoring Ghana FA to return the pitch back to approved standard and with that we are good to play and hoping to get good result before the next match in Abuja,” a top official in NFF said in a telephone interview.
Earlier yesterday, Ghana web had raised question on why the stadium was initially approved by CAF considering the fact that the country would stage its annual independence ceremony on same ground before the first leg match against Nigeria.
The publication even described it; it is looking more like a cassava farm because it was pounded with Independence Day activities last Sunday.
“The newly built stadium in central Ghana has been left in terrible condition following the Independence Day parade on Sunday.
“Military and police horses hit the ground for several hours during the parade to celebrate Ghana’s 65th Independence which has left the pitch looking like a cassava farm.
“The grass, that was approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has suffered severe damage and the surface look brown, making it unplayable.
“The pitch would not look unrecognizable for CAF officials who gave the greenlight to the Cape Coast Stadium to host the match that would attract global attention.
“That is because global television stations will be beaming the match live on their screens and the poor state of the pitch would project Ghanaian and African football in a very bad light.
“Top stars from both sides and their foreign clubs would also be worried that their players could be prone to serious injuries if they play on a pitch of such nature.
“The players from the top clubs would also not be able to play their best football on a pitch of such nature which has been the bane of African football and how administrators take the issue of pitches for matches seriously.
“This has sparked fears that the game could be relocated to another venue to avoid any embarrassment for African football.
“However, the National Sports Authority will be racing against time to get it in shape before the first leg of the game against Nigeria. The Black Stars host Nigeria on Friday Match 24 in Cape Coast”, reports Ghanasoccernet.
The top official of NFF also confirmed that conversations between the two football federations has been cordial and both looking forward good soccer mini-fiesta that will project the continent in good light to the world.
“Despite the long-standing rivalry between the two football nations, we are on same page to be a good host to one another during the visits.
“We have been able to secure accommodations for the team and delegates from Nigeria that will attend the match. We do not need to wait for the host nation to arrange for us,” the top Management staff said last night.
Nigeria will host the second leg of the match at the MKO Abiola Stadium four days later and the best of over the two legs will pick one of the continental five tickets and represent Africa at the tournament in Qatar.
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
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