How FKF is now paying the price of hosting Chan

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is already feeling the cost of hosting 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) due to safety and security breaches at both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium.

With less than two rounds to go before the end of group matches in Nairobi, the national football governing body is reeling in the pain of settling a fine of Sh12.8 million (USD 98,500) imposed on Kenya by Confederation of African Football (CAF).

All three Group A matches involving Harambee Stars at Kasarani Stadium have attracted fines that are supposed to be paid within 60 days.

Though the tournament has been a showstopper in Nairobi with fans flooding stadiums and Harambee Stars producing results, the hoarding of tickets and lack of fan zones to allow those who don’t have tickets to watch the matches have complicated the organisation of the tournament.

While this is the first major tournament Kenya is hosting since the 1987 All Africa Games, it has come with its own challenges and lessons for both the federation and Local Organisation Committee (LOC). It is evident the problems have been generated by the ticketing process, with many Kenyans eager to watch their team in the stadium.

Although Harambee Stars have already been assured Sh25.8 million by virtue of participating in the 19-team tournament, that amount is likely to be deducted to cater for the fines slapped on the financially-stricken FKF. The federation is currently navigating a financial obligation of over Sh600 million.

Unlike co-hosts Tanzania and Uganda, who have witnessed fan apathy in matches involving other teams, in Kenya, the situation is totally different if the numbers at Nyayo Stadium is anything to go by. Kenyans have literally proved to be a football-passionate lot, which is the reason why CAF appears to be somehow lenient in their decisions.

Even as CAF threatens Kenya with losing the quarter-final hosting rights if the measures are not put in place, the fact is this is likely to be one of the most marketed and watched tournaments involving local-based players since its inception in 2009. The tournament is being used as a dry run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to be held in East Africa, but continued violations of rules and regulations could jeopardise its hosting.   

“We are deeply concerned about the fines we are receiving after every match, and this will set us back. It is saddening that we are forced to go back to the drawing board to find resources we hadn’t planned for,” FKF president Hussein Mohammed said on Tuesday.

“If we misbehave on Sunday, CAF can cancel our quarter-final match. We can also lose revenue and scare away families, sponsors and partners. That’s not the football culture we want,” added LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye.

It all started with Harambee Stars’ opening match against Angola on August 5, where a fine of Sh1.94 million (USD 15,000) was slapped on FKF following a series of breaches, including a stampede at Gate 11, motorbike spinning around crowd, a fire in the stadium, a breach of protocol at the VVIP area and a security assault on a CAF official.

On the same day, the federation was fined Sh0.3 million (USD 2,500) due to lack of control at the VVIP and VIP area before they were hit with another fine of Sh1.94 (USD 15,000) for failing to comply with venue lockdown in Zambia v Angola game at Nyayo on August 11.

The biggest penalty of Sh6.5 million (USD 50,000) came on August 12 during Harambee Stars v Morocco match at Kasarani due to various security breaches. This is after they had been fined Sh2 million (USD 16000) for unauthorised access of spectators, lighting a fire in the stadium, mishandling of VIP and VVIP guests at Kasarani during Harambee Stars v Angola match on August 9.

And in a bid to control the crowd, the government, through the Ministry of Sports, has ordered FKF to set up six official fan zones at Uhuru Park (CBD), Lucky Summer–Ngomongo, Dandora Stadium, Utalii (Stima Club), Jacaranda Grounds, and Kibera DC Grounds to allow ticketless fans to follow Sunday’s crucial Group A match between leaders Harambee Stars and struggling Zambia. The restricted 27,000 tickets for the match have already sold out. A win for Kenya will see them host Group B runners-up in the quarters at Kasarani.

“These zones, strategically located within Nairobi’s neighbourhoods, will allow fans to watch the match on large screens in a safe, well-managed environment while easing crowd pressure on Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The zones will bring the stadium atmosphere closer to the people while helping us manage attendance at Kasarani in line with CAF’s requirements,” Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said yesterday.

“We have assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that the government will support FKF to ensure that Kenyans conform to the standards and regulations. The heightened security measures and awareness campaign will enlighten Kenyans on what is expected of them.”

There will be enhanced security measures at Kasarani and Nyayo with thorough checks at entry points, the use of ticket scanners for verification, and additional security oversight in and around the stadium.

“These measures are aimed at protecting fans from fraud, maintaining order at the venue, and upholding the integrity of the tournament in line with CAF’s directives. Only spectators with valid match tickets will be allowed entry into the stadium,” said Mvurya.