Nairobi Kenya: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended of ticket sales for all upcoming fixtures at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi.
This decision comes in the wake of alarming safety and security incidents that disrupted the recent Harambee Stars match against Morocco.
Reports indicate that multiple breaches occurred before and during the highly anticipated qualifier match, which raised significant concerns regarding crowd control and venue safety.
Key issues included a malfunctioning entry gate, which allowed numerous fans without tickets to gain unauthorized access to the stadium. Consequently, this led to a dangerously overcrowded environment that exceeded the venue’s capacity.
In an alarming turn of events, the situation escalated further with an invasion of the media center by unruly fans, complicating the ability of journalists to perform their roles effectively.
Additionally, reports confirmed that tear gas was deployed within the stadium, creating panic among attendees and prompting urgent evacuations.
In light of these serious incidents, CAF’s disciplinary and safety committees have launched an investigation to thoroughly analyze the events that transpired during the match.
The governing body is expected to take decisive action based on their findings, which could include sanctions against the local organizing committee or even repercussions for the federation.
Stakeholders, including players, coaches, and fans, are expressing deep concern regarding the safety measures in place for upcoming matches.
The freezing of ticket sales, particularly for the upcoming clash between Kenya and Zambia scheduled for next Sunday, reflects CAF’s commitment to enhancing safety protocols in response to these breaches.
As the investigation unfolds, the football community in Kenya remains hopeful for swift measures to ensure the safety and security of all future events, allowing fans to enjoy the sport without fear or disruption.
Further updates from CAF and local authorities are anticipated as they address the pressing need for improved safety standards at the venue.
