GFA explains stadium inspection process ahead of new season

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has outlined its stadium inspection process ahead of the new season, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining safety standards for players, spectators, and matchday stakeholders. GFA Club Licensing Manager Esme Mends explained that the inspection process is part of the club licensing procedure, focusing on the condition of stadiums and training facilities.

The process comprises two stages: the first assessment to identify areas requiring attention and a subsequent review to confirm if the necessary improvements have been made. Mends stated that clubs are given deadlines to complete the necessary corrections, and should they fail to meet these deadlines, their venues would not be approved for the upcoming season.

However, he noted that a venue's initial non-approval does not reflect poorly on the club but rather highlights the importance of clubs embracing the club licensing system and striving to meet the required standards. Mends praised clubs for actively engaging with the licensing department and making efforts to understand and comply with the requirements.

He also shared that some venues initially left off the approved list were later cleared after fulfilling the necessary improvements. Mends expressed confidence that a significant number of Premier League venues would meet the required standards before the season starts or shortly after the first matches.