CAF Fines Kenya $50,000 Over Security Lapses At CHAN Match Against Morocco

Kenya, one of the co-hosts of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), has been slapped with a $50,000 fine by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to serious security and safety shortcomings during Sunday’s group stage clash against Morocco at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.

The disciplinary action follows a series of incidents that have raised alarm bells at CAF, prompting warnings that Kenya risks losing its privilege to host CHAN 2024 quarterfinals if crowd disturbances continue. There are also growing concerns that persistent issues could jeopardize Kenya’s bid to stage future continental tournaments, including the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

As the biggest edition of the African Nations Championship unfolds across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, fans across East Africa have embraced the football spectacle with vibrant energy. Yet in Nairobi, that passion has tipped into chaos, according to CAF officials.

Crowd Trouble And Safety Failures Spark Concerns

In a statement issued from Nairobi, the African football body criticized the host nation for failing to comply with safety protocols. “Kenya was warned that continued non-compliance with CAF security requirements may result in the relocation of its national team matches to different venues. We have advised authorities to bolster security personnel within the stadium perimeter and enforce traffic restrictions on match days,” read the CAF statement.

The controversy began during the opening fixture on August 3rd against DR Congo, when unauthorized individuals forced entry into Kasarani Stadium, attacked staff, and even ignited a fire inside the premises.

The situation escalated during Kenya’s stunning upset victory over tournament favorites Morocco, where scenes of unrest intensified. CAF’s disciplinary findings pointed to multiple violations by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), including uncontrolled gate-crashing by fans without tickets, the use of tear gas and flash grenades, and even disturbing reports of live ammunition being discharged. Security personnel were also reportedly assaulted during the chaos.

Quarterfinal Hosting Rights in Jeopardy

The cumulative fines imposed on FKF for three consecutive matches now exceed $17,000, with the total penalty reaching $50,000. In response, Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of the CHAN Local Organising Committee (LOC), voiced his concern during a press briefing on Tuesday.

“We are frustrated by the actions of a minority who have breached regulations to illegally access the stadium,” Musonye stated. “CAF’s decision to penalize us for repeated infractions is a serious warning. If further disturbances occur during the upcoming match against Zambia, we might be stripped of the right to host the quarterfinal.”

As an immediate corrective step, CAF has ordered a reduction in allowed attendance for Sunday’s fixture at Kasarani Stadium. Spectator numbers will be capped at 27,000—just 60% of the venue’s full capacity of 48,000—in an effort to maintain order.

Musonye emphasized that further disruptions could have long-term implications, warning, “If we don’t get this under control, it could cost us our future hosting ambitions, including AFCON 2027.”