HARARE — Zimbabwe will host CAF-sanctioned international matches without spectators until further notice following the death of a fan during the recent Afric...
HARARE — Zimbabwe will host CAF-sanctioned international matches without spectators until further notice following the death of a fan during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporarily suspended spectator access to matches played in Zimbabwe as it reviews safety and security arrangements at venues hosting its competitions.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda announced the development on Tuesday, saying the decision followed the death of a spectator during the recent qualifier.
“The nation is advised of the unfortunate death of a spectator which occurred during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare,” Soda said.
CAF expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and to Zimbabwe before announcing the temporary restrictions.
According to CAF, the measure was taken as part of its commitment to maintaining safety and security standards at its competitions.
The continental football body said spectator access had been suspended as a precaution while the relevant safety and security protocols are comprehensively reviewed and verified.
“All CAF matches to be played in Zimbabwe during the period of this suspension shall therefore be held behind closed doors until further notice,” Soda said.
The decision means Zimbabwean football supporters will not be allowed into stadiums for CAF matches hosted in the country while the suspension remains in place.
The incident occurred during the Zimbabwe-DR Congo match in Harare, where crowd-control problems were reported around the stadium.
Reports indicate that supporters experienced delays at entry points after problems with ticket-scanning equipment installed for the match.
The situation reportedly escalated shortly after kick-off, with fans said to have stampeded as authorities attempted to manage the crowd.
A police water-cannon vehicle was also reported to have been involved in the incident, with one supporter losing his life.
The circumstances surrounding the death are expected to form part of the broader safety and security review.
CAF’s decision places particular focus on stadium entry procedures, crowd management and the systems used to ensure the safety of spectators attending international football matches.
The suspension is temporary and will remain in force until CAF completes its review and provides further direction.
Zimbabwe’s football authorities and security agencies are therefore expected to address the concerns raised by the incident before spectators can return to CAF matches hosted in the country.
The development comes as African football authorities continue to place increased emphasis on crowd safety and security at international competitions.
For Zimbabwean supporters, the immediate impact will be the absence of fans from CAF fixtures played on home soil until the restrictions are lifted.
