Uganda stadium needs improvement to host 2010 World Cup teams

Uganda may be scrapped off the list of candidate countries to host the 2010 World Cup teams if it cannot improve facilities at Namboole Mandela National Stadium within two months.

A report from the global soccer governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) states that the goal posts, pitch, press-box, floodlights and toilets in the stadium need urgent improvement.

Charles Masembe, the chief executive of the Uganda football governing body FUFA, received the ten page report by FIFA manager of stadiums Adnan El Guindy last week.

"We appeal to the government and the stadium management to adhere to the recommendation and help FUFA to avoid possible sanctions," FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa was quoted by New Vision on Thursday as saying.

The report follows a visit by FIFA security officers David Petranshvili and Ahmad Essan to inspect Namboole last month to decide its suitability for hosting build-up games before the 2010 World Cup.

FIFA requires, among other things, steel goal posts at the stadium to be replaced with aluminum poles, noting that the existing ones were outdated and dangerous to goalkeepers.

The report also stresses that no matches should be played under floodlights unless the stadium acquires a certificate of authorization, which Namboole hasn't secured yet.

"FIFA reserves the right to proceed to check follow up programs at your federation and national authority. Sanctions will be recommended if no work is done," read the report.

The report also noted that the ground was too hard and uneven with bare patches around the goalkeeping areas.

According to the report, the stadium press box should be equipped with telephones, fax, photocopier and furniture for journalists to do their work.

FIFA also warned in the report that all journalists except photographers should be restricted to the stands.

Source: Xinhua