Ethiopian Premier League Relocates to Adama: Clubs from Addis Ababa Disappointed

A major alteration for the current season has been announced by the Ethiopian Premier League Share Company: matches will now take place in Adama rather than Addis Ababa, the country's capital. This decision comes after a previous sojourn in Dire Dawa earlier this season, where all league games were held.

In a statement, the league confirmed, “From week 12 to week 19, encounters will take place at the Adama Science and Technology University Stadium. The games will kick off on the 3rd of January.”

The move has frustrated clubs from Addis Ababa, particularly Saint George and Ethiopian Coffee, who have been eager to see games return to the capital. Since the 2020–21 season, Addis Abeba has not hosted a league game due to stadium maintenance. Some think this is a government ruse to silence protesters, which happens often at stadiums.

Significant losses in ticket sales have resulted from the clubs' prolonged inability to stage games in Addis Ababa, which has negatively impacted their finances. Despite the logistical difficulties for Addis-based clubs and their supporters, Adama, which is located 68 kilometers east of the capital, has emerged as a popular location for league games in recent years.

Uncertainty surrounding the selection of Adama over Addis Ababa has fueled more discussion among supporters and interested parties.