South Sudan unveils FIFA-funded $5 million stadium for World Cup Qualifier

June 4, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan has completed a $5 million national stadium project, concluding over two years of construction.

The stadium will host the World Cup qualifiers match between Sudan and the South Sudanese national team.

The high-level inaugural committee, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, announced the development at a news conference on June 4, 2024.

The preparations were led by Deborah Akech Kuocnin, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) President General Maduot Parek, and several senior sports officials.

Kuocnin announced that President Salva Kiir Mayardit would officially open the stadium.

The President of FIFA and other high-level sports officials are expected to attend the opening ceremony. SSFA President Parek also announced that the match between Sudan and South Sudan will take place on June 11, 2024.

Parek and other sports officials called for a massive turnout to support both teams, assuring spectators of adequate security measures before, during, and after the game.

The stadium’s construction began in 2019 and was initially expected to be completed within eight months. However, a lack of funding and disputes between the SSFA and the Juba Local Football League (JLFL) over ownership of the playground led to delays. Corruption allegations and financial constraints further hampered the installation of key features.

The project regained momentum on March 16, 2024, when a FIFA delegation led by the Director for African Member Associations, Gelson Fernandes, intervened during an inspection visit. FIFA’s approval of the stadium for international games and subsequent funding allowed construction to resume.

The FIFA President and the accompanying delegation are expected to visit the country on June 9, 2024, for an inspection.

(ST)