What Kenya Stands to Lose if Fans Continue Breaching CAF Rules

Kenyan football fans have been urged to maintain order and avoid going to the stadium if they do not have tickets for the ongoing CHAN tournament.

This warning follows chaotic scenes witnessed before the match between Kenya and Morocco at the Kasarani Sports Stadium on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

These incident occurred despite the Confederation of African Football  CAF imposing a fine of Ksh 2.5 million on Kenya for security breaches in the opening match against DR Congo at the same venue on August 3, 2025.

During the match, hundreds of fans without tickets forcefully breached security barriers and gates, storming into the stadium. Videos circulating on social media showed supporters jumping fences and overpowering security personnel, resulting in an overcrowded venue.

As ticketless fans forced their way into the stadium, police resorted to using tear gas and flash grenades to control the escalating crowd situation. Fans also overran restricted areas, including the media center, which disrupted the event’s operations and heightened safety concerns raised by CAF.

CAF Warns Kenya It May Consider an Alternative Venue for Hosting CHAN Matches

In response to the incidents from the Sunday match, CAF issued directives to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the local organizing commmittee on Monday, August 11, 2025.

“Following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium, CAF has decided to impose immediate measures for upcoming fixtures involving the Host Nation,” stated CAF.

CAF noted that despite multiple warnings and prior sanctions, adequate measures to manage ticketless spectators, ensure effective crowd control, and fully comply with CAF security requirements had not been implemented.

Major security lapses identified by CAF include:

1. Ticketless spectators overrunning stadium gates and security personnel, breaches of the perimeter fence, and loss of control at exit points.
2. Initial crowd control failures at Ngomongo roundabout, leading to uncontrolled access through multiple gates.
3. The use of tear gas and flash grenades causing panic.
4. Violent incidents, including stone-throwing at security personnel and unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas.
5. Inadequate police response despite repeated requests for intervention.
6. No medical incident reports submitted following reported injuries.
7. Insufficient communication tools and lack of CCTV coverage at critical entry points.

CAF stated that these incidents pose unacceptable risks to spectators, staff, and the integrity of the tournament.

Also Read: CAF Freezes Kasarani CHAN Match Tickets

Consequently, CAF has imposed the following measures for all upcoming home matches for Kenya at Kasarani:

1. Capacity restriction: Maximum of 60% of stadium capacity (specific number of tickets to be determined).
2. Ticketing: Entry strictly limited to electronic ticket holders; thermal tickets are prohibited.
3. Public accountability & compliance campaign: The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and government will launch a media campaign to reinforce safety protocols and entry requirements.

Additionally, CAF expects full and immediate compliance with these directives.

Failure to implement them may result in more severe sanctions, including consideration of alternative venues for future matches involving the Host Team.

Do and Dont’s During the Tournament

CHAN 2024 has been touted as a moment to unite Kenyans and Africans, showcasing solidarity, pride, and shared passion on both the continental and global stages.

Also Read: Why Harambee Stars Must Wait for CHAN 2024 Quarterfinal Spot Despite Morocco Win

CAF issued the following guidelines to be observed in the stadium during the tournament:

1. Fans are not allowed to carry firearms or weapons, whether real or replicas, including anything that can shoot, harm, or resemble a weapon.
2. Explosives, detonators, and ignition devices are prohibited.
3. Wearing helmets, including those for motorcycles, construction, sports, or any others, is not allowed.
4. Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics, smoke bombs, gas canisters, combustible materials, toxic substances, and any harmful or irritating materials are banned.
5. Paints, flammable substances, breakable pressurized containers, bottles, cans, closed containers, and large items are not permitted.
6. Electronic, musical, or telecommunications equipment that can jam signals or disrupt broadcasting or IT systems are banned.
7. Noise-making devices, such as vuvuzelas, megaphones, whistles, loudspeakers, and drums, are illegal.

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