Inspection begins on Al Merrikh Stadium following war destruction

Sudanese giants Al Merrikh began with inspections of their damaged stadium and facilities as hopes for future renovation grow. The Al Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman has sustained heavy damage due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

The 43,000-seater stadium used to be one of the most modern facilities in Sudan, as league, continental, and national team games have been hosted there since its construction in 1964. It was renovated in 2003 and used to meet CAF standards, as Al Merrikh hosted CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup matches.

Since the Sudanese civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces began in 2023, the city where the stadium is located has seen some of the fiercest fighting. The Armed Forces regained control of Omdurman in May 2025, and Al Merrikh have now begun an inspection ahead of rebuilding the damaged stadium in 2026.

Former CAF Club Licensing head Muhammad F. Sidat is overseeing the inspection of the damaged stadium. Sidat’s consultancy firm, Line 90, shared some images of the damaged stadium, where the playing field has been completely wiped out and seats have sustained heavy damage. The inspection includes the pitch condition, spectator stands, lighting systems, safety provisions, and media/VIP facilities.

🔺خبير “الكاف” يضع خارطة طريق لتأهيل “القلعة الحمراء” واستيفاء معايير التراخيص📝

عقد خبير الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم (كاف) لتطوير وتأهيل الاستادات، الموزمبيقي محمد سيدات اجتماعاً رسمياً اليوم مع لجنة المنشآت بنادي المريخ ويأتي هذا اللقاء في إطار الجهود الحثيثة والمستمرة لإعادة… pic.twitter.com/TEyyNPS5DS

— Al Merrikh SC (@Almerrikh08) April 13, 2026

The stadium needs massive renovation to meet CAF standards, but it is not yet known if Al Merrikh are planning a return to playing at home amid the civil war. Merrikh’s city rivals, Al Hilal, also saw their stadium heavily damaged. Both clubs have been competing in Mauritania and Rwanda’s local leagues due to security reasons.