CAF Disciplinary Board Sanctions Zambia, Kenya, and Morocco Over CHAN 2024 Incidents
The heaviest penalty was handed to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following multiple safety and security lapses during Kenya’s high-profile CHAN encounter against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. CAF cited insufficient security personnel, non-adherence to stadium perimeter protocols, and failure to implement road closures on match day as major breaches. In addition to the USD 50,000 fine, CAF issued a stern warning to FKF: if such safety shortcomings persist, Kenya’s national team matches could be relocated to an alternative venue outside the country
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has issued fines and warnings to three national football federations following a series of regulatory and disciplinary breaches during the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
The decisions, communicated after the Board’s latest meeting, target the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), with penalties ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000.
Zambia Penalised for Media Regulations Breach
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) was sanctioned for failing to comply with CAF’s Media Regulations during the Match Day-1 Press Conference ahead of their CHAN fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under CAF rules, it is mandatory for participating teams to present their head coach at the official pre-match press conference. Zambia failed to do so, leading the Disciplinary Board to find FAZ guilty of breaching the regulations.
As a result, FAZ has been fined USD 5,000, payable within 60 days of the decision’s notification.
Kenya Fined USD 50,000 for Safety and Security Failures
The heaviest penalty was handed to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following multiple safety and security lapses during Kenya’s high-profile CHAN encounter against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
CAF cited insufficient security personnel, non-adherence to stadium perimeter protocols, and failure to implement road closures on match day as major breaches.
In addition to the USD 50,000 fine, CAF issued a stern warning to FKF: if such safety shortcomings persist, Kenya’s national team matches could be relocated to an alternative venue outside the country. The Federation has been advised to urgently bolster security operations and strictly adhere to CAF safety requirements for future matches.
Morocco Punished for Players’ Misconduct
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was cited for inappropriate conduct by its players during the match against Kenya. While the nature of the misconduct was not publicly detailed, CAF emphasised that such behaviour violates the spirit of fair play expected at continental tournaments.
The FRMF was fined USD 5,000, though USD 2,500 of the amount is suspended on the condition that no similar offences occur for the remainder of CHAN 2024.
CAF’s latest disciplinary measures underline its commitment to upholding tournament regulations, ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans, and maintaining the professionalism of Africa’s premier football competitions.
All fines must be settled within 60 days from the date of notification. CAF has reiterated that breaches of media, safety, and conduct rules will continue to attract severe penalties, including possible match relocations and further sanctions.
CHAN PAMOJA 2024 continues across host venues, with heightened scrutiny on compliance as the tournament progresses into its decisive stages.
