October 18, 2018 - In an unprecedented move, the Ethiopian Football Federation has enacted a regulation that obliges all Ethiopian soccer clubs in the premier and super leagues to construct standardized stadiums within two years, according to ANA.
All the soccer clubs in the country do not have their own stadiums. Tedla Dagnachew, Licensing Manager of the Federation said that the clubs need to have their own stadiums, since having standard stadium is among the criteria set by FIFA.
According to him, clubs that would not fulfill the standard could be relegated to the lower division.
Despite these regulation, the clubs that ENA has talked to said they are not capable of doing this within two years.
Terefe Anberbir, Manager of St. George Football Club replied that he do not have the information.
Even if the regulation exists, the club cannot manage to construct a stadium by itself.
Gezahegn Welde, Manager of the Addis Ababa City Football Club that rented the Abebe Bikila Stadium appreciated the introduction of the regulation.
However, Gezahegn said the financial capacity of the clubs would not allow them to to do so.
The federation need to reconsider the regulation, as it is not attainable said Getahun Siyoum, Manager of the Fasil Football Club.
He said constructing a stadium within two years is not attainable, as it demands huge amount of money, expertise and takes time.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency