- Venue gets all clear signal after deadly stampede
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has lifted its suspension on the 60,000 capacity Stade d’Olembe, confirming that the venue will host both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final and final matches.
The decision is coming less than a fortnight after eight people lost their lives at a crush at the stadium.
According to CAF, barring any unforseen situation, Cameroon and Egypt will meet in the second semi-final at the Stade d’Olembe on February 3, with Burkina Faso facing Senegal at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo the evening before.
The Continent’s Football governing body, which confirmed the position on Sunday, said it was in light of assurances received by local authorities following a hearing into the causes of last Monday’s crush.
It said there will be no venue change for Cameroon’s semi-final against Egypt nor the tournament final on February 6, 2022.
Besides the eight deaths, 38 people were reportedly injured, seven seriously, before Cameroon’s Last 16 meeting with Comoros, prompting CAF to move the quarter-final match away from the 60,000 capacity Olembe stadium.
With suspension of further matches at the venue pending investigations, CAF on Sunday indicates it was satisfied that there will be no repeat of the deadly scenes in the upcoming fixtures.
A statement by the body said; “Having noted the recommendations and undertakings from Government in regard to additional security provisions over and above those which were already successfully implemented at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium during the Morocco and Malawi match and at the Japoma Stadium during the Gambia and Cameroon match, the CAF Organising Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the Olembe Stadium.”
The statement further said; “CAF, the Local Organising Committee and the Government of Cameroon having significantly increased security and resources at the Olembe Stadium, are confident that the safety and security of spectators and visitors will be assured.”
In light of the incident, CAF had announced their own investigation into the crush, while Cameroon President, Paul Biya also confirmed that the government would be examining the causes of the incident. – With Goal.com report
