FKF issue update on Kenya Police's Friday CAF Champions League qualifier
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.10.25. | 20:52
A CAF observer has reportedly described the security situation at Kasarani Stadium as critical
Kenya Police FC will play their CAF Champions League qualifier against Sudanese side Al Hilal Omdurman on Friday, 17 October, behind closed doors due to security concerns.
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The development comes as Kenya mourns former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday. Thousands of mourners escorted his body from JKIA to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where a public viewing took place.
Kasarani, which had been set to host Friday's continental clash after the initial venue, Nyayo Stadium, was reserved for Raila’s state funeral, has suffered damage after the massive turnout.
The multitude of people reportedly invaded the pitch and stands, leaving the playing surface in poor condition and destroying several seats and other property.
FKF, on the evening of Thursday, 16 October, released a statement confirming the match will be played behind closed doors.
"Please note that the CAF Champions League match between Kenya Police FC and Al Hilal will be played tomorrow (Friday) at 3:00 p.m. at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The match will be played behind closed doors, and as such, no fans or media personnel will be allowed entry into the stadium," read FKF's statement.
In an earlier statement, Al Hilal had requested to either play without fans or postpone the game altogether.
“Kenyan authorities have officially warned Police FC that they may not be able to play their match against Al Hilal of Sudan on Friday due to the unrest.
Police FC has advised that the match either be postponed to a later date or played behind closed doors because of the riots that took place at Kasarani Stadium today.
The riots reportedly followed the death of the former Kenyan Prime Minister,” read part of the statement.
A CAF observer reportedly described the security situation at Kasarani as critical, noting that Al Hilal have been unable to train at the venue and that the CAF referee has not conducted the mandatory pre-match inspection.
The Sudanese club further stated that the stadium suffered property damage and that their management team has been instructed to heighten security around the squad.
“Reports say that fans entered the stadium and caused damage to property. Because of this, Al Hilal’s management team has been advised to increase security and make sure the stadium is ready to host the match as planned.
The team has also not been able to hold its final training session, even though the scheduled time has already passed.”
The club also questioned why match officials have not yet postponed the fixture.
“These incidents have raised questions about why the security coordinator has not postponed the match to Saturday or Sunday to protect the players and ensure safe and proper conditions for the continental game.”
Tomorrow’s fixture marks the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, with the return leg set to be played in Libya.
