Harambee Stars’ Sunday opponent in the African Nations Championship, Zambia, has been slapped with a Ksh650,000 fine for breach of the CAF media rules.

According to a communique from CAF this Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Chipolopolo incurred the fine because their coach, Avram Grant, failed to attend a mandatory press conference before their clash with DR Congo in Nairobi.

As per CAF regulations, clubs are obligated to have their head coaches participate in interviews.

Zambia fined

“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged the Football Association of Zambia (“FAZ”) with breaching CAF’s Media Regulations during the Match Day-1 Press Conference ahead of their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The violation comes after CAF also charged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with multiple safety and security breaches during Kenya’s CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

During the particular match played on Sunday, August 10, 2025, ticketless fans overpowered security agencies at the Kasarani Stadium and forced themselves into the stadium against the guidelines of CAF on security and safety at CHAN 2024. CAF also warned against the use of tear gas at match venues.

The fine has elicited a reaction from the FKF and the government, who moved with speed to redress the challenge.

In a statement on X this Wednesday, August 13, 2025, FKF’s Hussein Mohammed announced that the federation has designated six fan spots where Harambee Stars fans can watch the upcoming clash pitting Kenya against Zambia on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Six designated zones

‘For those without tickets, official fan zones with big screens will be open at Jacaranda, Uhuru Park, Dandora Stadium, Utalii, Kasarani, and DC Grounds, Kibra. Let’s enjoy the game safely and protect our football,” he said.

Additionally, the federation implored football enthusiasts to abide by the CAF-stipulated guidelines during match days to avoid attracting strict penalties over safety and security breaches.

“Fans, let us support the Harambee Stars responsibly this Sunday against Zambia and in all upcoming games. Crowd trouble is costing us dearly, and we are facing heavy sanctions. Only show up at Kasarani if you have a genuine ticket. Let us not destroy the game we have struggled to build,” FKF said in an appeal to fans on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Kenya will face Zambia on Sunday, with a draw needed to secure their place in the next phase of the competition.

The Benni McCarthy-coached team is currently atop Group A with seven points following an unbeaten start to the tournament.