Kenya could be forced to play their next World Cup qualifying match against Mali in a neutral venue if CAF does not approve the Nyayo National Stadium facility.
The African soccer governing body on Friday wrote to the Football Kenya Federation confirming the team will not be allowed to use Kasarani Stadium because it does not meet the required standards, according to Goal.
‘As per your video report sent, in addition to the poor technical benches, the pitch of Moi International Sports Center Kasarani is not up to the required standard for a Fifa/Caf A match, therefore Caf cannot approve such venue for the Fifa Qualifiers (October window) based on the current status,” read part of the statement .
“Caf’s decision is based on the current status of the pitch as of today [Friday] and not based on improvements to be made. Kindly note that this decision is final.
“You are, therefore, requested to send a report of Nyayo Stadium (including photos and videos of the pitch)latest by today, Friday, September 17 by 1400hrs EAT.
“In case your federation fails to provide the report, Caf will immediately fix the venue of your upcoming home Fifa World Cup Qualifier match in your opponents’ venue.”
The Nyayo Stadium remains the only facility that can host international football matches and FKF will be hoping that the facility will not be locked out as the Kasarani facility that is the largest in the country.
Uganda who are Kenya’s other opponents in group have been forced to use the St Mary’s Kitende facility because the main stadia in Nakivubo and Namboole have been locked out by Caf.
Kenya are in Group E of the qualifiers and during their clash with Uganda, they used Nyayo Stadium in the match that ended 0-0 before they travelled to Kigali, where they also battled to a 1-1 draw against Rwanda.
Kenya are second in the standings with two points after back to back draws with Uganda and Rwanda.