The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced an immediate suspension of ticket sales for the upcoming CHAN 2024 match between Kenya and Zambia, scheduled to take place at Kasarani Stadium.
The move follows a series of alarming safety breaches, crowd control failures, and alleged fraud during previous fixtures at the venue.
The decision comes just days after CAF slapped the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with a sh 2.5 million fine over serious incidents during the CHAN 2024 opening match between Kenya and DR Congo on August 3.
CAF cited fresh chaos during Kenya’s recent match against Morocco on Sunday, August 10, as the tipping point.
The match was marred by dangerous overcrowding, illegal entry, the use of tear gas, and a stampede at Gate 11 that put fans’ lives at risk.
Unauthorized access to restricted areas, including the media centre and public security zones, was also reported.
A viral video captured a motorcycle dangerously weaving through fans queuing outside the stadium, and there are allegations that a Falcon Private Security guard assaulted both a CAF staff member and a sponsor representative.
CAF’s disciplinary and safety committees have launched investigations to determine the next steps.
Until further notice, all ticket sales for matches at Kasarani have been frozen.
Mounting Pressure on FKF and LOC
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), chaired by Nicholas Musonye, confirmed there will be no match-day ticket sales for the remainder of the tournament.
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo admitted that delayed security deployment significantly contributed to the unrest.
The initial fine of sh 2.5 million issued to FKF included:
- Sh 644,500 for the stampede and unauthorized entry
- Sh 1,289,000 for obstruction and assault of CAF officials
- Official warning for fires and crowd mismanagement
CAF has warned that additional sanctions could follow if similar incidents occur. With Kenya co-hosting CHAN 2024 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, and bidding to host AFCON 2027, any further chaos could severely damage the country’s standing on the continental stage.
Growing Calls for Reform and Transparency
The suspension of ticket sales has sparked public outcry, with fans demanding transparency in the ticketing process.
There are widespread calls to overhaul the current digital ticketing system, clamp down on bulk purchases and resale, and ensure fair access for genuine supporters.
FKF and government officials have since issued stern warnings to fans, stressing that Kenya’s international football reputation and its AFCON 2027 aspirations hang in the balance.
A Troubled History of Mismanagement
Kenyan football has long battled issues of mismanagement, crowd violence, and corruption:
- In 2024, a Gor Mahia vs Murang’a Seal match at Machakos Stadium descended into hooliganism.
- On August 6, 2024, a student football match between Musingu High and Kodero Bara in Kisii was disrupted by tear gas, forcing fans and students to flee.
- Between 2004 and 2010, Kenya faced multiple FIFA suspensions due to government interference in football affairs.
- From 2010 to 2023, match-fixing scandals plagued Kenyan football, with several teams, players, and officials banned.
- In 2023, FIFA banned four Kenyan players one for life for fixing a World Cup qualifier against Tunisia. FKF also suspended 14 players and two coaches.
- In March 2025, national team goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was suspended for 90 days after a video surfaced allegedly showing him negotiating a match-fixing deal.
With CHAN 2024 in full swing and Kenya’s sporting credibility on the line, both CAF and FKF are under immense pressure to restore order, protect fans, and implement lasting reforms.
Several Feared Dead In Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Royal Liner Bus On Kisumu-Busia Highway
