The Confederation of African Football (CAF) warns Kenya could lose its CHAN 2024 quarterfinal hosting rights.
Persistent spectator troubles at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium prompted this concern.
The ongoing African Nations Championship, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has seen vibrant celebrations, but Nairobi’s issues have raised alarms.
Security Breaches at Kasarani Stadium
During Kenya’s opening match against DR Congo on August 3, 2025, fans breached Kasarani Stadium.
They accessed the venue without tickets, assaulted staff, and ignited a fire inside. The chaos escalated during Kenya’s upset win over Morocco, with ticketless spectators overrunning gates.
CAF reported violent incidents, including stone-throwing and inadequate police response. Additionally, tear gas, flash grenades, and alleged live ammunition use heightened safety risks.
CAF Imposes Fines and Restrictions
CAF fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over $17,000 for security violations across three matches.
Violations included unauthorized access, perimeter fence breaches, and poor crowd control.
Consequently, CAF capped attendance at Kasarani to 27,000 for Kenya’s upcoming match against Zambia, down from 48,000.
Mookh Africa, the ticketing provider, halted sales to enforce e-ticket-only entry.
Warnings from CHAN Organizers
Nicholas Musonye, CHAN’s Local Organising Committee Chairman, expressed disappointment. He cautioned that further issues during Sunday’s Zambia match could strip Kenya of quarterfinal hosting rights.
Musonye also highlighted risks to Kenya’s bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. “CAF has fined FKF for the last three matches, which is unacceptable,” he said, urging fans to comply with regulations.
Calls for Improved Crowd Management
To prevent further sanctions, CAF mandated a public media campaign on safety protocols. The FKF and local authorities must ensure e-ticket compliance and early arrivals.
As Kenya aims to maintain its hosting role, addressing these security lapses is critical to showcasing its passion for football responsibly.
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