CAF fines Kenya Ksh6.5 million over security breaches, warns of possible relocation of matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slapped Kenya with Ksh. 6.5 million after finding it guilty of breaching multiple security protocols during the Harambee Stars matches against Morocco on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani[MISC].

CAF accused the Football Kenya Federation [FKF] of allowing fans, including ticketless fans, to overrun police barricades, forcing their way into the stadium and exceeding the required capacity among other breaches.

CAF detailed numerous breaches, including the overrunning of stadium gates by ticketless fans and holders of physical tickets distributed by the government, breaches of the perimeter fence, and loss of control at exit points.

There were also reports of initial crowd control failure at the Ngomongo roundabout, leading to uncontrolled access through multiple gates.

Security forces were accused of using tear gas and flash grenades that caused panic.  CAF also cited use of live ammunition being fired near spectators and staff.

Violent incidents, including stone-throwing at security officers and unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas were also listed among the security breaches.

The continental body, after deliberations on Monday, announced through a statement that it will now admit only 60% of Kasarani capacity on Sunday when Kenya play Zambia in their final Group A fixture.

This means now only 27, 000 fans will be allowed into the stadium.

Kenya has also been warned against failing to meet CAF safety and security requirements which may lead to relocation of their matches to alternative venues.

To ensure compliance, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced on Tuesday a raft of measures including checking into the stadium five hours earlier and banning thermal tickets.

LOC also resorted to setting up fan watch zones where fans without match-day tickets will enjoy the action.