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CAF orders Zimbabwe matches behind closed doors
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ordered all international matches hosted in Zimbabwe to be played behind closed doors following the death of a spectator during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare.
Cabinet announced on Tuesday that CAF had temporarily suspended spectator access to matches in Zimbabwe while it conducts a review of safety and security arrangements at the country's stadiums.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the decision followed the death of a spectator during the 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 precautionary measure.
"CAF has extended its sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased and the entire nation of Zimbabwe," Soda said.
According to CAF, the measure was taken as part of its commitment to maintaining safety and security standards at its competitions.
CAF said that, "as a precautionary administrative measure, and pending a comprehensive review and verification of the relevant safety and security protocols", it had decided to temporarily suspend spectator access to matches hosted in Zimbabwe.
"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 added.
The incident occurred shortly after kick-off when fans reportedly stampeded following delays at the stadium gates, which were attributed to faulty ticket scanners installed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
A police water cannon truck deployed to control the situation subsequently ran over a Zimbabwean supporter, killing him instantly.
The CAF directive means Zimbabwe will temporarily host international fixtures without spectators while the football governing body reviews the country's safety and security arrangements.
Cabinet announced on Tuesday that CAF had temporarily suspended spectator access to matches in Zimbabwe while it conducts a review of safety and security arrangements at the country's stadiums.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the decision followed the death of a spectator during the 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 precautionary measure.
"CAF has extended its sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased and the entire nation of Zimbabwe," Soda said.
CAF said that, "as a precautionary administrative measure, and pending a comprehensive review and verification of the relevant safety and security protocols", it had decided to temporarily suspend spectator access to matches hosted in Zimbabwe.
"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 added.
The incident occurred shortly after kick-off when fans reportedly stampeded following delays at the stadium gates, which were attributed to faulty ticket scanners installed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
A police water cannon truck deployed to control the situation subsequently ran over a Zimbabwean supporter, killing him instantly.
The CAF directive means Zimbabwe will temporarily host international fixtures without spectators while the football governing body reviews the country's safety and security arrangements.
Source - zimlive
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