FKF fines Sh6.5 million for multiple breaches of CAF safety and security rules during Kenya vs Morocco duel
The Atlas Lions were also guilty of inappropriate conduct of their players and imposed a fine of Sh647,047
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has fined Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh6.5 million (US$50,000) for multiple safety and security breaches during Sunday’s match between Harambee Stars and Morocco’s Atlas Lions at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Disciplinary Board also warned Kenya that continued failure to meet CAF safety and security requirements may lead to the relocation of Harambee Stars’ matches to an alternative venue.
“Kenya was advised to increase security measures by deploying sufficient personnel within the perimeter of the stadium as well as adhering to the road closures on match days,” it added.
Morocco was also found guilty of inappropriate conduct of its players and imposed a fine of Sh647,047 (US$5,000), of which Sh323,524 (US$2,500) is suspended on condition that no similar offence is committed during the remainder of CHAN 2024.
The fines are to be paid within 60 days of notification of this decision.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) was also charged with breaching CAF’s Media Regulations during the Match Day-1 Press Conference ahead of their match against Democratic Republic of Congo.
Zambia was accused of failing to present the head coach at the mandatory Press Conference and was fined Sh647,047 (US$5,000) after being found guilty.
It is not the first time is being sanctioned for violations of CAF regulations during ongoing TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, which it is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania.
Before the Disciplinary Board verdict, CAF had already limited the number of fans who will access the stadium during the next match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17, to only 27,000 fans or 60 per cent of its 48,000 capacity.
CAF also reiterated that entry shall only be permitted to those with electronic tickets, as those with thermal tickets shall be prohibited.
“Following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium, CAF has decided to impose immediate measures for upcoming fixtures in Kasarani involving the Host Nation. Despite multiple warnings and previous sanctions, the necessary measures to control ticketless spectators, ensure effective crowd management, and fully comply with CAF security requirements have not been implemented,” CAF stated.
Among the breaches cited by CAF include overrunning of stadium gates and PSAs (Public Stadium Authorities) by ticketless spectators and holders of physical tickets distributed by the government, breaches of the perimetre fence, and loss of control at exit points.
The confederation also pointed out the crowd control failure at Ngomongo roundabout, which resulted in uncontrolled access through multiple gates.
It also noted the use of tear gas and flash grenades, with reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff.
The confederation also claimed that violent incidents, including throwing stones at security personnel, and unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas, were witnessed during the game.
In addition, CAF said there was an inadequate police response despite repeated requests for intervention, and there were no medical incident reports following the reported injuries.
It also noted that there were insufficient communication tools and there was a lack of CCTV coverage at critical entry points.
In a statement, CAF called on the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the government will launch a public media campaign to reinforce safety protocols and entry requirements.
“CAF expects full and immediate compliance with these directives. Failure to implement them may result in more serious sanctions, which may include the consideration of alternative venues for future matches of the Host Team. We trust these measures will be applied swiftly to protect competition’s integrity, ensure fan safety, and uphold confidence in Kenya’s commitment to the Tournament,” CAF stated.
On Monday, Moohk Africa, the official online tickets sales platform, suspended the purchase of the Sunday match tickets until it gets further directions from the organisers.
With the current CAF directive, the ticket sales are set to be highly monitored.
Kenya was also fined for crowd trouble during the opening match against DR Congo when several fans managed to breach the venue, causing a near stampede. Other breaches included fans igniting fires inside the stadium, denial of access to the VVIP for CAF staff and protocol officers by State Security, including a member of South African President’s Close Security Unit.
A Falcon Private Security guard also allegedly assaulted a CAF commercial staff member and a sponsor representative.
FKF was subsequently fined Sh2.5 million (US$15,000) for various breaches during the first matches held at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums.
While CAF suspended payment of Sh323,524 (US$2,500) fine for crowd trouble on condition similar breaches do not recur during the remainder of the tournament, FKF is now set to pay.
Any further violations during Sunday’s match against Zambia would see Harambee Stars’ future matches moved to either Uganda or Tanzania if they sail into the quarters.
FKF and the Local Organising Committee are, however, trying to avoid a similar situation by spelling out various measures aimed at facilitating smooth entry into the Stadium, with the gates opening five hours before the match.
