The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has hit the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with a KSh 2.5 million fine, citing multiple security breaches during the CHAN 2024 opening match between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The penalty comes as a direct result of a detailed report from the CAF Security Officer, which outlined a series of alarming incidents that compromised the safety and integrity of the high-profile event.

According to the official report, the security lapses included a stampede at entry Gate 11, which endangered fans attempting to enter the stadium.

Additionally, a motorbike was seen dangerously maneuvering through the crowd, further escalating the security risk.

The report also noted that fans ignited fires inside the stadium, specifically behind the stands at Block 18, creating a hazardous environment.

Beyond the crowd-related issues, the report highlighted significant failures in protocol and access control. It was noted that CAF staff and protocol officers were denied access to the VVIP area by State Security, a breach that included a member of the South African President’s Close Protection Unit.

The situation was further compounded by an alleged assault on a CAF commercial staff member and a sponsor representative by a Falcon Private Security guard.

The hefty fine serves as a stern warning from CAF regarding its zero-tolerance policy on security and safety violations during its sanctioned tournaments.

The incidents cast a shadow on what was otherwise a historic day for Kenyan football, which saw the Harambee Stars secure a crucial 1-0 victory against a formidable opponent.

The FKF now faces the task of addressing the security shortcomings to ensure future matches in the tournament are held without incident, as the nation’s reputation as a host is now under scrutiny