NSA justifies Baba Yara Stadium charges for Dreams FC ahead of Zamalek clash

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has issued clarification regarding the charges imposed on Dreams FC for utilising the Baba Yara Stadium for their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final match against FC Zamalek.

In response to a communication from Dreams FC, announcing free access to the center line and popular stands at the Baba Yara Stadium for their second-leg semi-final clash against Zamalek, the NSA provided insights into their demand for 36,070 GHS from the club.

Patience Adams, the Public Relations Officer for the NSA in the Ashanti region, elaborated on the rationale behind the outfit’s request for payment from Dreams FC ahead of the Zamalek fixture.

During an interview on TV3’s New Day program, Adams expressed surprise at Dreams FC’s announcement of free entry, citing the club’s previous challenges in generating adequate revenue from gate proceeds at the Baba Yara Stadium.

“We saw in the media space a publication of free gates for the whole facility except the VVIP and the VIP, but the amount these would bring won’t appreciate to any level,” Patience Adams stated.

The PRO further explained that they had intended to seek assistance from the Ghana Football Association as they had run out of items needed to maintain the stadium.

However, their plan to request aid became public prematurely.

“We normally purchase in stock, it is only a few items that we were not able to purchase.

But looking at this time we were short of some items, so we channeled this grievance to the FA requesting them to come to our aid and help us prepare the facility for Dreams, but before we realised, it was in the media space, and everybody was talking about it,” she added.

Adams further clarified that this initiative was not intended to prevent Dreams from using the facility.

“People have now understood that it’s not the fact that they are playing a big game and we don’t want them to play.

And it’s not the fact that we’re charging them because if we’re charging them they can’t pay.”

The requested funds according to the NSA are intended for various purposes aimed at supporting the operational readiness, facilitating deployments, and maintaining working environments for the NSA.

These include the preparation of field sites (GHC 14,760), cleaning services (GHC 10,500), sanitation management (GHC 3,810), and backup power sources (GHC 7,000).

As Dreams FC prepare to host Zamalek at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, with a spot in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup up for grabs, they are hopeful of a strong turnout from fans.

This support from the fans is expected to boost their chances of securing a ticket to the final.