The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) provided over $260,000 to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for pitch maintenance, Joy Sports reports.

According to the report, Multimedia journalist Muftawu Nabila inquired through mail about the funds allocated for the maintenance, and FIFA disclosed the exact amount in their response.

The response stated, "FIFA assisted the GFA in maintaining natural grass pitches at 80 match venues across Ghana. This included the installation of boreholes and water tanks, ensuring that the venues met the minimum club licensing requirements. The total support amounted to $267,273."

Three years ago, the GFA launched the "Ghana Football Association Borehole Project" with FIFA's support.

The GFA Executive Council decided to use funds from the FIFA Forward 1.0 programme to improve pitch quality by installing boreholes at various game centres across the country.

However, the specific number of pitches and the allocated amount were not disclosed until Nabila's inquiry.

About the Baba Yara Stadium ban

CAF withdrew approval for the Baba Yara Stadium due to issues such as an uneven playing field, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.

This decision followed the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola on September 5, 2024.

In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has directed the Ghana Football Association to invite CAF officials to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the Legon Stadium to determine if they meet the requirements to host Black Stars games.

SB/ ADG