The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has published a list of items banned from stadiums during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
CAF imposed a Ksh2.5 million fine on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after Harambee Stars’ clash against DR Congo.
The Confederation said there were multiple security breaches reported during the match.
They included an unauthorised stampede at entry Gate 11, security breaches in restricted areas designated as Public Security Areas (PSA), fans igniting fires inside the stadium, and motorbikes dangerously driving through the crowd.
Football fans are not allowed to carry firearms or weapons, whether real or replica. This includes anything that can shoot, harm, or look like a weapon.
CAF also prohibits fans from having explosives, detonators, or ignition devices.
Fans are also barred from wearing helmets, including those for motorcycles, construction, sports, or any other kind.
Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics, smoke bombs, gas canisters, combustible materials, toxic and pungent substances are also banned.
CAF has also prohibited hazardous substances, including powders, pastes, chemicals, toxic and corrosive materials, radioactive substances, and irritant gas canisters.
Paints, flammable substances, breakable pressurized containers, bottles, cans, closed containers, and large items.
Fans are also not allowed to have powdery substances like flour, powders or similar fine materials that can spread or cause irritation.
Animals, Drugs, Food & Political Banners
Further, pets and other animals are not allowed except for assistance dogs.
Illegal drugs like narcotics, stimulants, or any other illegal drugs are also not allowed into the stadium.
Only medically necessary substances are allowed.
CAF also prohibits electronic, musical, telecom equipment that can jam signals or disrupt broadcast, IT, or tech systems.
Noise-making devices like vuvuzelas, megaphones, whistles, loudspeakers, and drums are also illegal.
Commercially packaged food from outside is banned.
Exceptions: food bought inside the stadium, or for medical needs or for infants.
CAF also prohibits fans from having flags or banners targeting politics, race, gender, religion, nationality, or personal identity.
Also Read: How to Watch All CHAN 2024 Matches as CAF Announces Local & International Broadcasters
Sports Ministry CHAN Message to Kenyans
The Ministry of Sport has urged fans to obey CAF regulations to allow Kenya to host such football tournaments in the future.
Hosting CHAN 2024 is a monumental feat for us as a nation. This is a CAF-sanctioned tournament, and with it comes a set of strict conditions around fan behaviour, security, and crowd management. Any breach – whether inside the stadium, at entry points, or around the venue – carries consequences, including sanctions from CAF.
The Ministry said CHAN 2024 is a chance for Kenya to prove that it can host big international events.
It explained that CAF is watching everything – not just how the game is played, but how fans conduct themselves.
It is our collective responsibility to remember that what happens on and off the pitch reflects on all of us. When fans jump barriers, shove others, cause chaos, or damage property, it puts Kenya in a bad light and undermines the trust CAF has placed in us.
The Ministry said the government invested to ensure the stadiums reach the standards to host AFCON.
However, it has warned that the bad behaviour from the fans can give wrong indications to CAF.
We have put in the work to upgrade our stadiums and show that we are ready for AFCON 2027. But even one incident of bad fan behaviour can ruin that progress. It signals to CAF that we may not be fully ready.
Also Read: CHAN 2024: Kenya Fined Ksh 2.5 Million
Group A Standings & Fixtures
Morocco and Kenya top Group A with 3 points after winning their opening games.
Zambia will play their first match against DR Congo, who lost to Kenya at Nyayo Stadium on August 7 at 4 pm.
Kenya will face Angola at Kasarani Stadium at 7 pm for their second match.
Morocco will face Zambia on August 14th as Angola clashes with DR Congo.
DR Congo and Morocco will close the group stages on August 17th.
Ruto Cash Promise
The hosts are under pressure to qualify for the knockout stages as they focus on the Ksh600 million prize money promised by President William Ruto.
Kenyan players and the technical bench already bagged Ksh1 million each after winning their opening match.
A win against Angola would see them get another Ksh1 million as they prepare for Morocco on August 10th and Zambia on August 17th.
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