CHAN 2024: CAF Caps Kasarani Stadium Capacity To 27,000 Among Tough Restrictions
CAF cited repeated and serious lapses in crowd control, failure to keep out ticketless spectators, breaches of security perimeters, and inadequate police intervention despite earlier warnings and sanctions.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed immediate security measures for all upcoming Kenya home fixtures at Kasarani Stadium following a string of chaotic incidents during recent matches.
In a strongly worded directive in a letter obtained by Viral Tea, CAF cited repeated and serious lapses in crowd control, failure to keep out ticketless spectators, breaches of security perimeters, and inadequate police intervention despite earlier warnings and sanctions.
Among the reported incidents were fans overrunning gates, the use of tear gas and flash grenades that caused panic, allegations of live ammunition being fired near spectators and staff, violent clashes involving stone-throwing, unsafe vehicle movements in fan areas, and the absence of medical reports despite injury claims.
Critical gaps, such as a lack of CCTV at key entry points and poor communication tools for security personnel, were also flagged.
Screengrab of fans knocking down barricades leading to Kasarani Stadium on August 3, 2025. /PULSE SPORTS
To address these concerns, CAF has ordered the following: stadium capacity will be capped at 60 per cent (27,000 tickets). This is a difference of 19,000 tickets down from the 46,000 previously allocated for the stadium’s 48,063 capacity.
Furthermore, only electronic ticket holders will be allowed entry, with all thermal paper tickets banned. That means that entry through physical tickets to the matches at Kasarani, which had been the case, is now prohibited.
Further, the Local Organising Committee (LOC), together with the Kenyan government, must launch a public campaign on safety protocols and entry rules.
"CAF expects full and immediate compliance with these directives. Failure to implement them may result in more serious sanctions, which may include the consideration of alternative venues for future matches of the Host Team," the letter read in part.
The measures come as Kasarani prepares to host Kenya’s group match against Zambia on Sunday and a quarter-final tie, with the governing body stressing that fan safety and the integrity of the tournament are at stake.
Before the letter went viral on social media, CAF denied reports that it had suspended ticket sales for all upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) matches at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
This was revealed by a CAF spokesperson who spoke to BBC Sport on Monday, August 11, with the move reported following chaotic scenes that marred Kenya’s shock 1-0 victory over pre-tournament favourites Morocco at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 10.
Mookh Africa, CHAN's ticketing service provider in Kenya, did confirm to the British media outlet that sales for upcoming fixtures at Kasarani have been halted until further notice from organisers. Independent spot checks by Viral Tea on the Mookh platform showed that the matches at the Kasarani Stadium were de-listed.
The chaotic scenes saw disorder that included a broken gate, fans sneaking in without tickets, overcrowding beyond the stadium’s 48,063 capacity, and the invasion of media-only areas. Some supporters attempting to enter through a lower gate also alleged police used tear gas on them.
According to multiple videos that were shared on social media, hundreds of supporters were stranded outside the stadium despite holding what seemed to be valid tickets.
Many later discovered they had unknowingly purchased duplicates from individuals who had bought in bulk and resold them to multiple buyers. This has heightened concerns over the unregulated resale market thriving around Kasarani on match days, with witnesses accusing rogue vendors of cashing in just metres from the gates.
Sunday’s chaos at Kasarani was fuelled by ticketing problems and the overwhelming desire of Kenyan fans to watch their team face Morocco on home turf, in what many had viewed as Harambee Stars' toughest match of the group stage.
With less than half an hour to kick-off, the stadium was still only half full, but frustration soon boiled over as some fans began scaling the perimeter fence to enter illegally. Despite a heavy security presence, multiple breaches occurred from one end of the venue, nearly triggering a stampede.
By the time Ryan Ogam netted the winning goal for Benni McCarthy’s side, the stadium appeared over capacity, forcing some Harambee Stars fans into the press box for a better view — a move that left Moroccan journalists fearing for their safety.
Kasarani is scheduled to stage three more CHAN fixtures, that is, Kenya’s group clash with Zambia on Sunday, a quarter-final match and the final.
