CAF limits Kasarani crowd to 27,000, bans paper tickets for Harambee Stars CHAN matches
The new restrictions, which take effect immediately, follow Kenya’s failure to address crowd control and safety issues during the Harambee Stars’ match against Morocco on Sunday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has limited the number of spectators allowed at Kenya's home matches at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to 27,000—60 per cent of the stadium’s capacity, due to repeated and serious security lapses at recent CHAN 2024 fixtures.
The new restrictions, which take effect immediately, follow Kenya’s failure to address crowd control and safety issues during the Harambee Stars’ match against Morocco on Sunday.
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This came after multiple CAF warnings and a Sh2.5 million fine for similar lapses during Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3.
In a statement on Monday, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, CAF outlined several security breaches during the tournament. These included fans without tickets and those with government-issued paper tickets overrunning gates, breaching perimeter fences, and overwhelming security at exit points.
CAF also reported that crowd control failed at Ngomongo roundabout, resulting in uncontrolled entry through multiple gates at Moi International Sports Centre.
Tear gas, flash grenades
Other incidents cited included the use of tear gas and flash grenades by police, reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff, stone-throwing at security personnel, unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas, inadequate police intervention, a lack of medical incident reports, and insufficient communication and CCTV coverage at critical entry points.
As a result, CAF has imposed a strict 27,000-ticket limit per match for home fans, with entry only allowed to holders of electronic tickets. Thermal paper tickets have been banned.
“As a result, CAF is mandating the following measures for all upcoming Kenya home matches at Kasarani: Maximum 60 per cent stadium capacity (27,000 tickets),” the statement reads.
“Entry strictly limited to electronic ticket holders; thermal tickets prohibited. LOC and government to launch a public media campaign reinforcing safety protocols and entry requirements.”
CAF also warned that failure to comply with these directives may lead to serious sanctions.
“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,” said CAF.
“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.”
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