Grenada moves Nations League home games to Trinidad
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ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC):
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has relocated its 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League home fixtures to Trinidad and Tobago because of ongoing concerns about the playing surface at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
Grenada will host two League B Group C doubleheaders at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain on October 2 and 5.
On October 2, St Kitts and Nevis will face Cuba at 5 p.m. before Grenada meet Bonaire at 8 p.m. On October 5, Cuba will take on St Kitts and Nevis at 5 p.m., followed by Grenada’s clash with Bonaire at 8 p.m.
The GFA said the decision followed repeated warnings, fines, and compliance breaches. The association was fined for poor field conditions in September 2023 and again in May 2026.
Concacaf warned in August 2024 that the pitch did not meet League B standards and later cited dirt patches and waterlogged areas following matches played in September 2024.
A Concacaf inspection on August 5 also deemed the pitch unsatisfactory.
The GFA said the Grenada National Stadium Authority had not provided a revised field-maintenance plan or the required lighting report, rendering the venue ineligible for approval.
According to football officials in Grenada, relocating the matches will help the country avoid further sanctions and protect its standing in the competition.
GFA President Marlon Glean said Grenada’s preference is always to play at home, but repeated violations could lead to more serious consequences.
Glean added that moving the matches would be costly, remove home advantage, and deny supporters the opportunity to cheer on the national team.
The GFA estimates that the relocation will cost approximately EC$336,345.69. It stressed that Grenada has not been formally banned from hosting Concacaf matches, but acted proactively.
The association said it wants to work with the government and stadium officials to ensure that international football can return once the venue consistently meets FIFA and Concacaf standards.