CHAN 2024: Kenya Fined for Safety and Security Lapses
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed fines on Kenya, Morocco, and Zambia for breaching rules during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Kenya faces a $50,000 fine for multiple safety and security breaches, while Morocco and Zambia were fined $5,000 each for player misconduct and media violations, respectively.
“We had said before that we are hosting CHAN and we need to have some good behaviours...”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slapped the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with a fine of Sh6.5 million for multiple safety and security breaches during the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The breaches included insufficient stadium security, failure to enforce road closures, and crowd control issues that led to fans overrunning police barricades and exceeding the required capacity.
Key Issues:
Inadequate Security: FKF failed to deploy sufficient security personnel within and around the stadium.
Crowd Control: Fans broke through gates, and ticketless individuals entered the stadium, causing overcrowding and safety concerns.
Road Closures: FKF didn't enforce strict road closures on match days, leading to uncontrolled access.
CAF warned that repeated violations could force Kenya to play Harambee Stars' home matches at foreign venues, potentially eroding their home advantage and damaging their bid to host major continental tournaments. This fine brings the total amount FKF has been penalized to Sh9 million, including a previous fine of Sh2.5 million for breaches during a CHAN fixture against DR Congo.
CAF's Warning:
Relocation of Matches: Kenya's national team matches may be relocated to an alternative venue if safety and security requirements aren't met.
Future Implications: Repeated violations could impact Kenya's hosting rights for future tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) $50,000 (approximately Ksh6.4 million) for multiple safety and security breaches during the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) match against Morocco on August 10, 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Key Points:
- Fine Amount: $50,000 (approximately Ksh6.4 million)
- Reason for Fine: Multiple safety and security breaches, including insufficient stadium security and crowd control issues
- Warning: Continued failure to meet CAF safety and security requirements may lead to the relocation of Kenya's National Team matches to an alternative venue.
CAF's Advisory:
Security Measures: Deploy sufficient personnel within the stadium perimeter
Road Closures: Enforce strict road closures on match days to control access and movement
In addition to Kenya, Morocco and Zambia were also fined for breaching CAF regulations. Morocco was fined $5,000 (with $2,500 suspended) for player misconduct, while Zambia received a $5,000 fine for failing to present their head coach at a mandatory press conference.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Kenya Sh6.5 million ($50,000) for multiple safety and security breaches during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. “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.”
This recent fine comes just days after CAF imposed a Sh2.5 million fine on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) due to security lapses during Harambee Stars' Group A opening match against DR Congo. Kenya won the match 1-0. The total fine now stands at Sh9 million, which FKF must pay within 60 days.
CAF warned that repeated security breaches could lead to Kenya's national team matches being relocated to an alternative venue, potentially eroding their home advantage and damaging their bid to host major continental tournaments. FKF President Hussein Mohamed expressed concern over the fines, stating they would set the organization back and require reallocating resources.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) cited several security lapses during the Harambee Stars' match against Morocco, including:
- Stampede at Gate 11
- Unauthorized entry into restricted areas
- Motorcycle weaving through crowds
- Fires lit behind the stands
- Blocked VVIP access for CAF officials and dignitaries
CAF Fines Kenya, Zambia, and Morocco Federations
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed fines on the football federations of Kenya, Zambia, and Morocco for various breaches during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Here are the details:
Kenya: Fined $50,000 (approximately Ksh6.4 million) for multiple safety and security breaches during their match against Morocco, including admitting fans without tickets, mismanaging VIP and VVIP areas, and allowing flares in the stands. The fine for mismanaging VIP and VVIP areas is Ksh650,000, while allowing flares in the stands attracted a fine of Ksh130,000.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed fines on the Zambia and Morocco football federations for breaches during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Zambia: Fined $5,000 for failing to present the head coach at the mandatory press conference before their CHAN match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Morocco: Fined $5,000, with $2,500 suspended, for the inappropriate conduct of its players during Morocco's CHAN match against Kenya.
The Disciplinary Board found Morocco guilty and imposed a fine of $5,000, with $2,500 suspended on condition that no similar offense is committed during the remainder of the CHAN tournament. The fines must be paid within 60 days of notification of the decisions.
Disappointment Over Fan Behavior
Nicholas Musonye, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya, expressed disappointment with fans who violated regulations during matches. “We appreciate the support our fans have given Harambee Stars, but we are disappointed with the few who have violated regulations to break into the stadium and force their way through,” Musonye said. These incidents have resulted in significant fines for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), with penalties totaling Sh12.8 million ($98,500) for various safety and security lapses.
The LOC and Kenyan government officials have urged fans to adhere to CAF's rules and regulations to avoid further sanctions that could impact Kenya's hosting rights for future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of fan behavior, stating that “our stadium upgrades mean little if our fans do not cooperate with the security and stewards on the ground.”
“It is unfortunate that they are breaking laws knowing that it is a burden to FKF, who will have to pay the fines, and they don’t have money.
“We had said before that we are hosting CHAN and we need to have some good behaviours, but this has not been fulfilled. CAF have taken the decision to fine FKF for the last three matches, which is unacceptable.”
No comments:
Leave comment here