Security Concerns and Ticketing Issues at 2024 African Nations Championship in Kenya

Crowd Safety and Ticketing Arrangements Under Scrutiny at 2024 African Nations Championship

The safety of crowds and ticketing arrangements for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) are facing increased scrutiny following incidents of disorder at matches involving co-hosts Kenya. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pointed out "repeated and serious security lapses" at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium during games featuring the Harambee Stars.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was fined $15,000 due to disturbances at their opening match, and additional penalties are anticipated after further issues arose during Sunday's game against Morocco. In response, attendance at the Kasarani has been capped, while fans are urging authorities to address problems with the online ticketing system.

Incidents at Kenya's Matches

A CAF board found FKF guilty of violating disciplinary, safety, and security regulations during Kenya's match against DR Congo on August 3. The federation was penalized for a stampede, unauthorized access to the stadium, and an assault on CAF personnel and guests. They were also warned about a fire being ignited inside the venue.

Further complications emerged as fans flocked to the Kasarani, officially known as the Moi International Sports Centre, to watch Kenya play against pre-tournament favorites Morocco. Overcrowding was evident in various sections, and CAF identified significant security breaches, including:

Overrunning of stadium gates by ticketless individuals, breaches of perimeter fencing, and loss of control at exit points.

The use of tear gas and flash grenades, with reports of live ammunition being fired near spectators and staff.

Violent incidents, including stone-throwing at security personnel, and inadequate police response.

Statements from Organizers

Mookh Africa, the ticketing service provider for CHAN in Kenya, confirmed to BBC Sport Africa that sales for upcoming fixtures at the Kasarani were suspended on Monday. CAF has limited capacity to 60% for future Harambee Stars matches and has restricted entry to electronic ticket holders only.

The local organizing committee (LOC) and the Kenyan government have been tasked with launching a public media campaign. The LOC advised fans to purchase e-tickets only from authorized vendors, arrive at the stadium at least five hours before kickoff, and adhere to security protocols. FKF president Hussein Mohammed emphasized, "If you are coming to the stadium, please come with a valid ticket." The BBC has reached out to the LOC and FKF for further comments but has yet to receive a response.

Update on CHAN Ticket Sales

With capacity at the Kasarani now limited to 27,000 ticket holders, supporters were eager to secure their spots for Kenya's final Group A match against Zambia on Sunday. Ticket sales resumed early Tuesday morning, and by 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), the match was sold out.

Concerns remain regarding whether genuine fans were able to obtain e-tickets, or if they were purchased by resellers. During the Morocco game, BBC Sport Africa observed numerous supporters left stranded outside the stadium, despite holding what appeared to be valid tickets. Many reported unknowingly buying duplicated tickets from individuals who had acquired them in bulk and resold them.

Supporters are calling on authorities to rectify issues with the online ticketing system and take action against fraudsters. Meanwhile, FKF announced plans to establish official fan zones where those without tickets can watch matches in a "safe and controlled environment." Mohammed stated, "Details of these exciting fan zones will be shared shortly as we continue to make the relevant preparations. Let us work together to ensure that Kenya continues to host major tournaments and showcase our passion for the game in the right way." Kenya could return to the Kasarani for a quarter-final match if they finish at the top of Group A.

Implications for Kenyan Football

As FKF awaits further sanctions from CAF for the incidents during the Morocco match, it is also grappling with financial and reputational damage. The federation received an additional fine of $5,000, half of which is suspended, for issues at another group game in Nairobi. Mohammed expressed concern about the impact of these fines on the organization, stating, "We are deeply concerned about the fines that we are receiving after every match. It is very saddening that we will have to look to raise resources to pay the fines that we had not planned for." This tournament was viewed as a preparatory event ahead of Kenya's co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania and Uganda.

CAF had already raised security concerns prior to the start of CHAN, and the LOC has warned of significant repercussions if further issues occur. Their statement noted, "The future of Kenyan football depends on our collective responsibility and cooperation. Continued security breaches risk attracting severe sanctions that would ultimately deny Kenyan fans the chance to enjoy such events in the future."

Personal Account from a Match Attendee

BBC Swahili's Alfred Lasteck attended Sunday’s game at the Kasarani Stadium.

I arrived late but still faced large crowds outside. I had an e-ticket but noticed people selling regular tickets for 1,000 Kenyan shillings ($7.70), while the official price was 500 Ksh ($3.85). I observed many young people raising their hands as if surrendering, yet they were pushing past police and entering in large numbers. At one point, the police deployed tear gas.

I passed through a gate where no one was present to scan my ticket, as the machine was not functioning. I entered the stadium just before halftime and was unable to access the lower part of the stand, so I moved to the upper deck. Finding space was challenging, as the entrances were extremely crowded. I ended up watching the game while standing in one of those entrances.

Security Concerns and Ticketing Issues at 2024 African Nations Championship in Kenya

Topics

Related news