Madagascar is among the fourteen countries that do not have any approved stadiums, just ahead of the African campaigns for national teams and clubs.
There is no hope for this year. Following the draw and the publication of the preliminary round schedule for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) interclub competitions—the Champions League and the CAF Cup—more than a week ago, the continental body has released the list of countries with approved stadiums and those without. Despite over a year of announcements and promises from state authorities, Madagascar remains on the list of fourteen countries without a single approved stadium.
Twenty-four countries appear on the list of those with approved grounds, led by nations that have hosted the World Cup, such as South Africa, which has thirteen, and Morocco, which has sixteen. CAF and FIFA envoys have conducted a series of inspections, the last of which took place in January. The complete replanting of the hybrid grass pitch, the state’s latest choice, as well as covering the press tribune and installing clearly visible signage, are apparently among the recommendations that must be met to obtain final approval.
Work carried out in accordance with recommendations includes the installation of entrance gates with turnstiles, emergency exit gates, stairs for rapid evacuation from the stands and the central tribune to the pitch, and the expansion of locker rooms. The press tribune was temporarily covered with a foldable tarp roof, and the broadcasting box was also renovated.
However, the pitch remains the main unfulfilled recommendation and still requires several months of work. The hybrid grass covering, funded by the state through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, was approved by the Council of Ministers over a month ago, but the procedures to release the budget for its installation are still pending.
The preliminary steps for laying the pitch are also a significant challenge. They begin with an open call for tenders for companies certified by FIFA, followed by ordering the turf from Europe or Africa and shipping it to Madagascar. Planting and installation normally require another six months, not to mention the subsequent training of technicians responsible for its maintenance, before requesting a new inspection by CAF and FIFA envoys.
International matches scheduled at home this year will likely have to be played abroad. In addition to the four qualifying rounds for the 2027 AFCON scheduled for September, Malagasy clubs representing the country in African competitions, namely CFFA and FC Rouge, will also have to host their opponents abroad, likely in Mauritius, at the beginning of September.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-14 06:23:46 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/football-caf-le-stade-barea-parmi-les.html