CAF allows 10,000 fans back into National Sports Stadium under strict conditions

HARARE — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has conditionally approved the return of spectators to the National Sports Stadium, allowing a maximum of 10,000 fans per match under strict security measures following the death of a supporter.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced Saturday that CAF had granted exceptional authorization for two upcoming fixtures, warning that failure to meet the conditions could result in further restrictions or the withdrawal of permission.

The approval covers Zimbabwe’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifier against Malawi on October 13 and Scottland FC’s CAF Champions League encounter against Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for Oct. 17.

In a statement, ZIFA said the authorization was strictly conditional, with enhanced security, crowd control and emergency response arrangements required for both matches.

“ZIFA reiterates its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the supporter who tragically lost their life. The safety of spectators, players, officials and all match personnel remains our foremost priority,” the association said.

ZIFA did not provide further details about the supporter’s death in Saturday’s statement.

Under the new arrangements, stadium gates will open five hours before kickoff to allow sufficient time for security screening and orderly entry.

Spectators will be restricted to designated and approved sections of the stadium, while attendance will be capped at 10,000 regardless of demand.

Ticketing, parking and entry arrangements will be announced separately ahead of the matches.

ZIFA said it would enforce a zero-tolerance policy against hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism and forced entry.

Supporters who breach security regulations risk being denied entry, removed from the stadium or banned from future matches.

Police officers, stewards and match officials will be responsible for enforcing the measures, while spectators have been urged to keep emergency exits and access routes clear.

A CAF safety and security officer will monitor the implementation of the new arrangements, including crowd management, security deployment, medical services and emergency response.

“Failure to meet CAF’s conditions may result in further restrictions or withdrawal of the authorisation,” ZIFA warned.

The association said the government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, had provided formal guarantees to CAF as part of efforts to secure the return of spectators.

ZIFA also acknowledged the role of security services, medical teams, emergency responders and stadium authorities in preparing for the matches.

The conditional approval does not amount to unrestricted clearance for spectators to attend future matches at the stadium.

CAF will assess the two fixtures and the effectiveness of the corrective measures before making further decisions on spectator access.

“Its assessment of these matches, including the effectiveness of the corrective measures, will inform decisions on future spectator access,” ZIFA said.

The association urged supporters to cooperate with security personnel to ensure the conditional reopening is successful.

“We urge every supporter to uphold these arrangements and help protect this opportunity to welcome fans back to the stadium,” ZIFA said.