CAF ban on Bayelsa stadium’s false, misleading, attempt to blackmail state govt – Commissioner
by Peregba Jerry
The Bayelsa state government has dismissed an alleged ban on the Samson Siasia stadium pitch by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing the reports as ” false, misleading and an attempt to blackmail the state government,” by “mischievous” persons.
Earlier, some online newspapers (not TarakiriVoice) had reported that the Samson Siasia stadium, which is the home ground for the state-own Bayelsa United Football Club have been banned by the CAF for failing to meet up its integrity standard test.
The report also claimed that the Yenagoa-based team, which was set to host CS Sfaxien of Tunisia at the stadium would now be playing its home games outside Yenagoa.
Reacting to the report, Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Daniel Igali, in a statement titled ”Bayelsa Stadium Not Banned by CAF- Sports Commissioner,” expressed disappointment in the report, noting that CAF representatives who are on an inspection tour of the stadium have already being impressed by the recent upgrade of the facility.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to reports in some section of the media on a purported ban of the football pitch of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa by Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the next home game of Bayelsa United against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.
“The report which appeared to have been sponsored in various newspapers is not only false, and misleading, it is an attempt to blackmail the Bayelsa State Government into awarding maintenance contract of the pitch to a certain contractor.
“It is wicked and disappointing that people who have benefited so much from the State Government would put up such a show of shame just to discredit and sabotage their own State.
“It is good to put on record that a team from CAF is currently in Yenagoa to inspect the facilities and so far, they have been impressed by what is on the ground including the recent upgrade before the Confederation cup game between Bayelsa United and AS Ashanti of Guinea.
“As a Ministry, we are confident that the next home game involving Bayelsa United will be played here.
“The report is mischievous, concocted and hatched to favour a particular contractor who missed out in the recent renovation and pitch maintenance.
“While it was alleged in the report that CAF has banned the pitch, it is curious in another breath in the story that Bayelsa Government could quickly work on the stadium if it is to host the next game.
“The renovation of the stadium facilities which began under the Sylva’s administration has gulped well over one billion naira by the main contractor and the job still not completed after 10 years.
“As a Ministry, we have reviewed the development and decided to put a stop to the drama around this unending stadium contract under three different administrations in the state.
