The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Sunday it had unanimously agreed to lift the suspension at the Olembé Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

CAF had announced the suspension of matches at the stadium following a tragic incident at the venue.

The incident occurred during the match between hosts Cameroon and Comoros on Monday in an ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 ties.

A total of 38 people suffered various degrees of injuries and eight fans lost their lives at the stadium during the stampede.

A statement on Sunday said the decision to lift the stadium suspension followed a CAF AFCON Organizing Committee meeting.

This was after the receipt of the report on the tragedy that occurred at the stadium.

“The president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, having called a meeting of the Organizing Committee of CAF AFCON, received the report prepared together with COCAN. The report was in relation to the circumstances regarding the tragedy that occurred at the Olembé Stadium.

“The report highlighted the extensive on-site meetings and discussions that were held with senior representatives of the police, gendarmerie, army, along with senior ministers from the Cameroonian Government, Defense and Police, including the Governor of Yaoundé and other parties interested.

“The report addressed and highlighted the tragic circumstances that resulted in 38 people being injured and eight deaths. The report further highlighted recommendations and interventions to ensure that a tragedy of this nature is never repeated,” the statement said.

He added that the CAF Organizing Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the stadium following the recommendations and commitments of the Government of Cameroon.

“We take note of the Government’s recommendations and commitments regarding additional security arrangements on top of those already successfully implemented at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium during the match between Morocco and Malawi and at the Japoma Stadium during the match between Gambia and Cameroon.

“Following this, the CAF Organizing Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the Olembé Stadium and allow one of the AFCON Semifinals, as well as the Final Match, to take place at the Olembé Stadium.

“In conclusion, CAF, the Local Organizing Committee and the Government of Cameroon, having significantly increased security and resources at the Olembé Stadium, are confident that the safety of spectators and visitors will be guaranteed,” he said.

(NAN)

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