There’s disappointment in Madagascar as the reconstructed Barea stadium fails to get the green light from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Despite a large $77 million makeover and a grand unveiling in September 2021, the stadium’s future is now uncertain.
This news comes as a blow to the country, with the national team facing the possibility of not playing at home for the African Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Comoros and Mali in June.
Inspectors from CAF visited in April to ensure the stadium met safety standards. Unfortunately, it didn’t, joining a long list of stadiums across Africa that aren’t up to par for international games.
This setback follows a tragic incident in 2023 when a stampede during the opening ceremony of the Indian Ocean Island Games resulted in 13 deaths. Despite receiving provisional approval from CAF in 2021, the Malagasy Football Federation failed to make the necessary improvements.
Before its $77 million renovation in 2021, the Barea stadium witnessed several tragic incidents. The deadliest incident happened on June 26, 2019, when at least 15 people were killed and at least 80 injured in a crush before a concert on independence day, as attendees tried to force closed doors after hearing they could enter the stadium.
The Barea Stadium was supposed to be a source of national pride, but it turned into a headache instead. People on social media are upset, calling out the government and demanding action.
The Malagasy government is trying to salvage the situation by asking CAF for more time. But as frustration grows, attention is turning to holding those responsible for the stadium’s shortcomings accountable.
