CHAN2024:CAF set to fine FKF for safety and security lapses in Morocco game

For the third consecutive match, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is staring at possible sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a string of breaches recorded during Sunday’s CHAN 2024 fixture against Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Several safety and organizational lapses were noted during the high-profile clash. These included fans without tickets gaining entry into the stadium, supporters occupying the media center, suspected overcrowding beyond the approved capacity, and the use of teargas inside the venue, an action prohibited under CAF safety and ethical regulations. There was also damage to the stadium property.

One widely shared video from the day shows chaotic scenes moments before kickoff, with a near stampede breaking out as fans forced their way in after overpowering security personnel and breaching the perimeter fence.

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee is expected to deliberate on the incidents this week, with financial penalties likely to be imposed. Should sanctions be confirmed, it would mark the third game in a row that FKF has fallen foul of CAF regulations during this year’s CHAN tournament.

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The latest trouble comes just a day after CAF handed FKF multiple fines for incidents during Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Angola, also at Kasarani. The penalties include KSh 1 million for allowing fans without tickets into the stadium, KSh 650,000 for mishandling VIP and VVIP areas, and KSh 130,000 for the use of flares in the stands.

The federation will additionally settle a previously suspended fine of KSh 325,000 for offences committed during the earlier group match against DR Congo.

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For that opening fixture against DR Congo, CAF’s Disciplinary Board had charged FKF with breaching Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code and Articles 15, 31, and 32 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations. The sanctions included:

• USD 5,000 fine for stampede and unauthorised access

• USD 10,000 fine for assault on CAF personnel and guests

• A warning over the ignition of fire inside the stadium

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All these fines are payable within 60 days of notification.

In a separate ruling related to another CHAN fixture between Morocco and Angola, FKF was again found guilty of breaching Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code and Articles 31, 32, and 43 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations.

A fine of USD 5,000 was imposed, with USD 2,500 suspended on condition that no similar offence is committed for the remainder of the tournament.

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