No room for ticket-less fans at Kasarani, warns LOC

Fans without tickets should not go anywhere near a stadium, they should strictly remain at home!

This is the warning that has been put across by the African Nations Championship (Chan) Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of the expected high-octane match pitting Kenya against Zambia in Group A set for Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.

The caution came on Tuesdat, just hours after Kenya was slapped with heavy fines  by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following serious security breaches during the last three Harambee Stars Chan matches staged at Kasarani.

The continental football governing body indicated that there have been serious lapses by fans during the tournament, including overrunning of stadium gates, breaching of perimeter fence and loss of control of exit points during the already held fixtures involving Kenya against three sides: DR Congo, Angola and Morocco.

The fines have seen CAF reduce the Kasarani stadium capacity to 60% (27,000) tickets ahead of the hosts’ showdown with Zambia this weekend. CAF has also outlined that only electronic ticket holders will be allowed into the stadium; no entry for those with physical tickets.

They have also directed LOC and the government to embark on a serious media campaign to reinforce safety protocols and entry requirements for fans during the ongoing tournament.

While addressing the issues raised by CAF, LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye warned those fans who don’t have tickets against going to Kasarani.

“We are proud of the large turnout by the passionate fans for Harambee Stars game so far, but at the same time we are disappointed with the few elements who have violated the CAF rules and regulations,” said Musonye.

“If you don’t have a ticket, don’t go near the stadium. You risk Kenya being banned. Kindly, if you have the right ticket, reach the gates at the right time, we want things to be in order. We don’t want any sanctions to affect our federation. A lot of sanctions will suffocate operations of Football Kenya Federation (FKF).”

Musonye urged spectators to put their best foot forward and be in their best behaviour during the ongoing continental football showpiece.

He said spectators’ indiscipline will attract more serious risks, among them Kenya being denied the opportunity to host the quarter-final matches of Chan.

“Our future international competition bids by FKF and the government will be in jeopardy, the spirit of football that is already developing in the country will diminish, and high-level sponsors who have started warming up to the beautiful sport will withdraw their intended support,” Musonye explained.

Musonye said that the LOC is already working with the Ministry of Interior to ensure that law, order and discipline are maintained on Sunday and in the remaining Chan fixtures.

“So we urge the fans coming to Kasarani at the weekend to behave well, because we have strived to bring people back to the stadium, we want to see that the trend continues,” noted Musonye.

The LOC said security forces have been told to be on high alert on Sunday, to ensure that no one enters the stadium without a ticket.

“We are working around the clock to protect our football because, now, our reputation is at stake. We will not compromise it. We want Kenya to remain a beacon of hope, order and discipline in Africa, South of Sahara,” said Musonye.

“We are already proud that young people are getting back to the stadiums, so we want to see more order and discipline in the remaining fixtures.

“FKF is already trying to bring back football to where it was in the ‘80s, let’s not destroy it. The government has done everything to give us the necessary facilities, let us uphold them. If this Chan is mishandled, there will be a lot at stake for Kenya to lose.”

On his part, FKF president Hussein Mohammed urged the fans to buy tickets from only authorised online vendors, reiterating that only e-tickets will be a valid form of entry, and not printed versions, on Sunday and henceforth.

“Kindly, you are encouraged to arrive at the stadium on Match Day, five hours before kick-off, with your ticket ready on your mobile phone for quick verification.

“And everyone must follow all security guidelines and instructions from event officials at all times,” Mohammed said.