Kenya Football Federation (FKF) Fined KSh 6.5 Million by CAF Over Security Breaches During CHAN Match Against Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a significant fine of KSh 6.5 million (approximately USD 50,000) on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) due to multiple security and safety breaches observed during the Group A African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 match between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Morocco. The match took place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 10, 2025.

CAF’s Disciplinary Board found FKF guilty of several lapses, including insufficient stadium security, failure to enforce road closures on match day, overcrowding, and unauthorized entry by ticketless fans who overran police barricades and perimeter controls. These breaches led to a chaotic and unsafe environment at the stadium, with security forces resorting to tear gas and flash grenades to regain control. Live ammunition was reportedly fired near spectators and staff, escalating the severity of the incident.

This is the second major fine FKF has faced in August 2025, as the federation was previously fined KSh 2.5 million for similar violations during the opening CHAN match against DR Congo. The combined fines now amount to KSh 9 million, which FKF must pay within 60 days.

CAF has issued a stern warning that any continued failure by Kenya to meet stipulated safety and security standards could result in the relocation of Harambee Stars’ home matches to foreign venues such as Uganda or Tanzania. This would adversely affect Kenya’s home advantage and could jeopardize the country’s ability to host major continental tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has responded by announcing measures to enforce stricter crowd control, including limiting stadium capacity to 60% for the upcoming match against Zambia on August 17, 2025, stricter early entry procedures, and banning the use of thermal tickets. They have also introduced fan watch zones for supporters without match-day tickets.

FKF President Hussein Mohamed acknowledged the fine as a serious setback and emphasized the need for the federation to realign and enhance security protocols to avoid further penalties — especially with crucial fixtures and qualifiers ahead.

These security breaches and resulting sanctions highlight the ongoing challenges Kenyan football faces in organizing large-scale international matches safely while nurturing the growing enthusiasm of fans. The outcome will be key not only for Kenya’s CHAN 2024 campaign but also for the nation’s credibility and future as a continental football host.