The City of Kigali has said that works to revamp Kigali Stadium will start on January 4 in efforts to ensure that the stadium fulfills the standards required to be able to host international football matches.

The Stadium was chosen to host the FIFA Delegation Tournament which will bring together delegates that will take part at the 2023 FIFA Congress that will take place in Kigali in March.

The renovation works means that facility will be temporarily closed and will hence not host the league matches of the second round which will start on January, 20, and the Peace Cup.

A press statement issued by the City of Kigali Friday, December 30, indicates that some renovation works will begin with replacing the existing turf planned to start next week.

"It is against that background we take this opportunity to inform your good office that Kigali Stadium will not be available for sports activities, therefore you have to plan accordingly,” City manager Julian Rugaza said in the statement.

Works will begin on 4 January 2023 and the eight clubs that currently host matches at the stadium have been notified of the decision and are looking for a place to relocate.

The nine teams that will be affected include APR, Rayon Sports, AS Kigali, Gasogi United, SC Kiyovu, Gorilla FC, Police, and AS Kigali women

The renovation works will specifically be done in the pitch and other areas.

Kigali stadium is not among African stadiums approved by the Security and Safety Department of CAF and, as a result, remains banned from hosting international matches until renovation works are completed.

With the suspension of Kigali Stadium and Amahoro stadium which are pending upgrade activities, Huye Stadium remains only one facility in Rwanda that meets the criteria to host international senior football matches and other CAF inter clubs competitions.