DRC: Stade des Martyrs locked down | OneFootball

Closed by ministerial order, the stadium must undergo a FIFA inspection ahead of the match against Senegal.

Stade des Martyrs / RDC

Temporary halt for the Stade des Martyrs. The legendary Kinshasa stadium has been officially closed on the orders of the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Didier Budimbu. This decision aims to allow a compliance inspection required by FIFA, as part of preparations for the upcoming matches of the Leopards.

The stadium, often criticized for its dilapidated condition, will also undergo maintenance work. These adjustments are intended to maximize the chances of obtaining a waiver from FIFA, in order to host the next official DR Congo matches on home soil. But the clock is ticking for the Congolese authorities.

Indeed, with just a month to go before a crucial clash against Senegal, scheduled for September 8, Stade des Martyrs must urgently prove that it meets international standards for safety, comfort, and quality. During this closure, no sporting or cultural activities will be permitted inside the venue. While this lockdown may seem restrictive in the short term, it is part of a broader ambition to restore Stade des Martyrs to its full legitimacy on the international stage.