The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has refused to move the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations from the Olembe Stadium.
This is despite receiving a report on the causes of a deadly stampede that occured at the stadium last week.
At least eight people were killed and 38 were injured in a crush that happened before a round of 16 match between hosts Cameroon and Comoros last Monday.
The incident led to CAF moving the quarter-final between Morocco and Egypt from the Olembe to the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.
Following the hearing between the CAF’s safety and security department and the local organising committee, the confederation confirmed on Sunday that the February 3 semifinal and the February 6 final would be kept at the 60,000-seat Olembe Stadium, located on the outskirts of Yaounde, albeit with greater security measures.
“The report highlighted the extensive onsite meetings and discussions which were held with senior representatives of the police, the gendarmerie, the military, together with high-ranking Cameroonian Government, Defence, and Police Ministers inclusive of the Governor of Yaounde and other stakeholders,” read CAF’s statement on the decision, as seen by ESPN.
“The report dealt with and highlighted the tragic circumstances which led to thirty eight people being injured and eight fatalities.
“The report further highlighted the recommendations and interventions to ensure that a tragedy of this nature should never be repeated.”
Burkina Faso will face Senegal on February 2 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in the first semifinal, while Cameroon-Egypt will take place at the Olembe Stadium on February 3.
