Kenya risks losing CHAN quarter-finals' hosting rights due to fan misconduct, LOC warns

Kenyan football fans during the Harambee Stars' 1-0 win over Morocco in their third CHAN 2024 Group A match at the Kasarani Stadium on August 10, 2025. (Photo: FKF)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Tuesday, August 12, 2025

FKF President Hussein Mohammed announced plans to establish official fan zones for supporters who cannot attend the Harambee Stars’ final group match against Zambia on Sunday, August 17.

Kenya faces the risk of losing the chance to host the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) if fan misconduct at Kasarani Stadium continues, Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has warned.

Speaking to the press, Musonye cautioned that security breaches could lead to Kenya’s matches being relocated to other venues, jeopardise future tournament bids, and discourage fans and sponsors.

More To Read

This comes in the wake of chaotic scenes during the recent Kenya vs. Morocco match at Kasarani Stadium, which resulted in damage to the newly renovated Moi International Sports Centre.

Following the disturbances, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed a ticket sale limit of 27,000 at Kasarani Stadium, restricting attendance to just 60 per cent of its capacity, to enhance safety and security measures.

Musonye emphasised that such behaviour threatens not only the current tournament but also Kenya’s chances of hosting future international competitions.

“The risks are very high. One of the main risks is that we may not host the quarter-final if Kenya progresses, which we expect to do. But if we misbehave on Sunday, the quarter-final match could be moved to another venue, and that would be a loss for our country," said Musonye.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed warns security breaches and fan misconduct during Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 matches at Kasarani could cost Kenya future football events.

Hussein: The future of Kenyan football now depends on our collective responsibility and cooperation. Continued… pic.twitter.com/nLDRbJXq21
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) August 12, 2025

He further explained that the risks extend beyond this tournament; Kenya’s chances of securing future competitions—bids which the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is actively pursuing—could also be compromised.

Additionally, he highlighted a common but serious risk: if stadium violence continues, families will avoid attending matches, which would diminish the spirit of football and lead to reduced income. Sponsors and partners might also be scared off by the bad behaviour, putting financial support in jeopardy.

"So why do you want us to risk? Why do you want us to take all these risks?" he asked.

CAF has also formally condemned the security breaches and referred the incidents to competent bodies for investigation and appropriate action. The governing body is currently engaging with Kenya’s LOC and government officials to ensure full compliance with CAF’s safety and security protocols for the remainder of the tournament.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed announced plans to establish official fan zones for supporters who cannot attend the Harambee Stars’ final group match against Zambia on Sunday, August 17. These fan zones will provide a safe and controlled environment, with more details to be shared soon as preparations continue. He urged everyone to work together to ensure Kenya continues to host major tournaments and to show their passion for football responsibly.

Hussein expressed concern over the repeated fines the federation has been receiving after each match, noting that these unexpected penalties are causing financial strain and forcing the federation to seek unplanned resources to cover them. He appealed to fans to support the national team by cheering them on, but emphasised the importance of attending matches only with valid tickets or otherwise watching from home.

“My team and I at the federation are very worried about the fines we are being hit with after every match. This is a setback, forcing us to find resources we never planned for just to pay these fines. I appeal to all Kenyans to support and cheer for our national team this Sunday, but if you don’t have a valid ticket, please watch the game from home,” said Hussein.

Despite these challenges, optimism remains high as Kenya prepares to face Zambia in the final Group A match on Sunday, August 17.