Why Kenya risks fresh disciplinary actions after the Morocco match
By Joel Masibo, August 11, 2025The Football Kenya Federation risks being slapped with fresh CAF sanctions after a charged crowd overwhelmed security officials to access the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, during a 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship Group A match.
Impatient and eager to watch the high-stakes match between the home side Harambee Stars and two-time CHAN champions Morocco, thousands of fans forced their way through to Kasarani after evading checking points at the facility, contrary to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) guidelines regarding CHAN 2024.
The Sunday incident happened after FKF were hit with hefty penalties by CAF following similar security lapses during the Harambee Stars’ opening CHAN 2024 Group A clash against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Previous fines
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, CAF fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) a total of Ksh2.5 million (USD 20,000) and cautioned that further breaches of its strict tournament protocols could attract harsher sanctions.
According to a CAF Security Officer’s report, FKF violated Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code as well as multiple stadium safety rules. The high-tension match, won 1-0 by Kenya, was marred by a stampede at Gate 11, fans gaining access to restricted Public Security Areas, and a motorcycle weaving dangerously through crowds. FKF are expected to settle all fines within 60 days.
The report also cited incidents of fires being lit behind the stands at Block 18, and state security personnel allegedly blocking CAF staff and protocol officials—including a South African presidential protection officer—from entering the VVIP section.
CAF broke down the sanctions as follows:
Ksh644,500 (USD 5,000) for the stampede and unauthorised entries.
Ksh1,289,000 (USD 10,000) for assaulting and obstructing CAF officials and invited guests.
An official warning over the stadium fires.
Separately, CAF imposed an additional Ksh644,500 (USD 5,000) fine in connection with an earlier CHAN match between Morocco and Angola. Half of that amount (Ksh322,250 / USD 2,500) is suspended on condition that no further violations occur during the tournament.
Meanwhile, the latest incidents have cast fresh doubt on Kenya’s crowd control and event security readiness ahead of their next Group A fixture against Angola at Kasarani on Thursday at 7 PM. Local Organising Committee chair Nicholas Musonye had previously warned of disciplinary measures if CAF regulations were ignored, urging fans to maintain order and respect safety rules.