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The criteria that CAF (Confederation of African Football) uses to select stadiums for football matches are as follows: Infrastructure: This criterion assesses the overall condition and suitability of the stadium. It includes factors such as seating capacity, which should align with the expected attendance. The stadium must have functional dressing rooms for teams, officials, and referees. Adequate medical facilities should be available to handle any injuries that may occur during the match. Additionally, media facilities are required to accommodate journalists and broadcasters. Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of all individuals involved is of paramount importance. The stadium must comply with safety standards, including fire safety measures, evacuation plans, and crowd control protocols. Adequate security personnel should be present to maintain order and address any potential security concerns. Pitch Quality: The quality of the playing surface is crucial. A well-maintained pitch is not only essential for player safety but also for the quality of the game itself. The pitch should be even, properly irrigated, and free from hazards like potholes or uneven terrain. Accessibility: The stadium should be easily accessible to fans, teams, and officials. This includes considerations for transportation to and from the venue, parking facilities, and wheelchair accessibility for disabled spectators. Facilities for Officials and Media: The stadium must provide suitable facilities for match officials, including referees and match commissioners. These facilities typically include changing rooms, rest areas, and meeting rooms. In addition, there should be media facilities like press boxes, interview areas, and areas for journalists to work and broadcast the match. Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for matches played at night. Proper lighting ensures visibility for players, officials, and spectators and contributes to the overall safety and quality of the game. Crowd Capacity: The stadium's seating capacity should align with the expected attendance for the match. This helps maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all attendees and avoids overcrowding. Previous Track Record: CAF may consider a stadium's history of hosting international matches and events. A stadium with a positive track record of successfully hosting such events may be more likely to receive approval. It's worth noting that the specific criteria and requirements for each match may vary, and CAF conducts inspections to ensure that stadiums meet these criteria. The decision to approve or disqualify a stadium can be influenced by factors such as the condition of the stadium at the time of inspection and any necessary improvements that may be required to meet CAF's standards. Transparency in the decision-making process is crucial to maintain fairness and consistency in stadium selection for international football matches. The Malouizini Stadium brought up a lot of questions as Comoros hosted Zambia. The stadium appeared unfit compared to Zambia's Heroes Stadium and Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which were declared unfit to host home games for Zambia. CAF needs to explain what criteria they used to disqualify Heroes Stadium and Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, yet they approved the Malouizini Stadium, which Comoros used.
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