A statement from the African body dated August 13th, confirmed the Disciplinary Board had charged FKF with multiple safety and security breaches during the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, August 10th.
CAF found Kenya guilty and imposed a fine
According to the statement, the Disciplinary Board found Kenya guilty and imposed a fine of USD 50,000 (approximately Ksh6.4 million).
“Kenya was further warned that continued failure to meet CAF safety and security requirements may lead to the relocation of Kenya’s National Team matches to an alternative venue,” read part of the statement.
“Kenya was advised to increase security measures by deploying sufficient personnel within the perimeter of the stadium as well as adhering to the road closures on match days.”
The decision comes just a few days after CAF imposed a Ksh2.5million fine on FKF following a report that multiple security lapses occurred during Harambee Stars’ Group A opening clash against two-time CHAN champions DR Congo, which they won 1-0.
Some of the lapses cited by CAF include a stampede at Gate 11, unauthorised entry into restricted areas, a motorcycle weaving through crowds, fires lit behind the stands, and blocked VVIP access for CAF officials and dignitaries, including a South African CAF presidential security officer.
CAF fines Zambia and Morocco federations
Kenya were also fined in the second game against Angola for admitting fans without tickets, Ksh650,000 for mismanaging VIP and VVIP areas, and Ksh130,000 for allowing flares in the stands.
Apart from Kenya, CAF also fined Zambia for breaching CAF’s Media Regulations during the Match Day-One Press Conference ahead of their CHAN match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the statement, Zambia failed to present the head coach at the mandatory press conference. The Disciplinary Board found Zambia guilty and imposed a fine of USD 5,000.
Meanwhile, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (“FRMF”) was also fined for the inappropriate conduct of their players during Morocco’s CHAN match against Kenya.
The Disciplinary Board found Morocco guilty and imposed a fine of USD 5,000, of which USD 2,500 is suspended on condition that no similar offence is committed during the remainder of the CHAN tournament. CAF further directed that the fines should be paid within 60 days of notification of the decisions.
LOC disappointed with fans violating rules
Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman for CHAN, Nicholas Musonye, has admitted to being disappointed with some of the fans who are violating regulations, saying they were burdening FKF with a lot of bills from CAF.
“We appreciate the support our fans have given Harambee Stars, but we are disappointed with the few who have violated regulations to break into the stadium and force their way through,” said Musonye.
“It is unfortunate that they are breaking laws knowing that it is a burden to FKF, who will have to pay the fines, and they don’t have money.
“We had said before that we are hosting CHAN and we need to have some good behaviours, but this has not been fulfilled. CAF have taken the decision to fine FKF for the last three matches, which is unacceptable.”
Kenya will next face Zambia in their final Group A fixture at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
