In recent days, the famous Barea stadium, located in the heart of the capital Antananarivo, completely renovated for a colossal budget and inaugurated in September 2021, has not obtained its approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). A hard blow for the country, since this decision should deprive the national team of playing at home for the World Cup qualifying matches against the Comoros and Mali, scheduled for June.
2 mins
At the beginning of April, an inspector from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), went to the capital of Madagascar to check whether the twenty safety recommendations required by international football bodies and listed during the previous inspection in 2021 have been carried out.
According to the inspection report, this is not the case, since CAF ultimately concluded that the Barea Stadium – like 26 of the other 54 stadiums visited on the continent – does not meet the standards established to host international matches. It is in this stadium that took place in 2023 the stampede which left 13 dead during the opening ceremony of the Indian Ocean Islands Games.
It should also be remembered that in 2021, the stadium – then brand new – received provisional approval from CAF. The recommendations to obtain final approval would not have been applied by the Malagasy Football Federation. Contacted by RFI, its managers did not wish to react.
Social media fatigue
This Kianja Barea, erected for “ defend the honor of the nation » as President Rajoelina proclaimed during his inauguration, cost 77 million dollars. A dizzying sum for the country. It was presented as the largest “manarapenitra” stadium in the Indian Ocean, that is to say a stadium that meets standards. Its construction was entrusted to the company China State Construction Overseas Development.
Faced with this situation, the Malagasy State does not lose hope and has asked CAF for a further delay. The State Secretariat for New Cities and Housing, which manages the Barea Stadium, is trying everything possible and has just launched emergency work. Secretary of State Gérard Andriamanohisoa ensures that international regulations in force in 2021 were respected during the construction of the stadium.
Madagascar is currently beginning the application of the recommendations for additional work to be done and adjustments. We ask CAF to review the efforts made by May 15.
Gérard Andriamanohisoa, Secretary of State for new cities and housing
On social networks, the controversy is growing and Internet users do not hesitate to express their anger or their weariness. They speak of waste, of deception and demand that the State take its responsibilities and punish the guilty.