Kenya, Tanzania fined Sh4 million by CAF over security breaches during CHAN 2024 opening matches
A Falcon Private Security guard allegedly assaulted its commercial staff member and a sponsor representative
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and its Tanzania counterparts, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), have been imposed a Sh2.5 million fine and Sh1.5 million respectively, following multiple breaches of Confederation of African Football (CAF’s Safety and Security obligations during their CHAN 2024 opening matches.
Among the issues raised by the CAF disciplinary board leading to the fining of FKF were security breaches that occurred in restricted areas designated for PSA (Public Security Areas), an unauthorised stampede at entry Gate 11 of the Kasarani stadium, and a motorbike was seen dangerously maneuvering through the crowd.
In their report, the board noted that fans ignited fires inside the stadium, specifically behind the stands at Block 18, and CAF staff and protocol officers were denied access to the VVIP area by State Security, including a member of the South African President’s Close Protection Unit.
FKF has been fine of US$ 5,000 for the stampede and unauthorised access.
Further, a Falcon Private Security guard allegedly assaulted a CAF commercial staff member and a sponsor representative. For this breach, FKF has been fined US$10,000.
It has also been issued with a warning for the ignition of fire inside the stadium.
All fines are to be paid within 60 days of notification of this decision.
In a separate case, FKF has also been charged with misconduct and breaches of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, and Articles 31, 32, and 43 of the CAF Safety & Security Regulations following incidents in the match between Morocco and Angola.
The CAF Disciplinary Board found FKF guilty and imposed a fine of US$5,000, with US$2,500 suspended, conditional on FKF not committing a similar offence for the remainder of the CHAN 2024 Final Tournament.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board found FKF guilty and imposed a fine of 5,000 US dollars, with 2,500 US dollars suspended, conditional on FKF not committing a similar offence for the remainder of the Total Energies CHAN 2024 Final Tournament,” the Communique stated in part.
On the other hand, TFF was charged for breaching the CAF Safety and Security obligations as stipulated in Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code and Articles 24 and 28 of the CAF Safety & Security Regulations.
TFF charges stemmed from incidents during Tanzania and Burkina Faso, where fans in the stands misbehaved and broke safety and security protocols.
”The CAF Disciplinary Board found the Tanzania Football Federation guilty and imposed a fine of 10, 000 US dollars,” CAF noted.
This comes Kenya is expected to face Angola on Thursday evening with fans who missed out on getting tickets being urged to stay at home and watch the national broadcaster, KBC, which has the rights to air the match live.
In the afternoon, DRC who lost their first match to Kenya will be facing Zambia.
