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CAF allows only 10,000 fans at Zimbabwe's National Sports Stadium
2 hrs ago |
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THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has partially lifted restrictions on spectators at the National Sports Stadium, allowing up to 10,000 fans to attend selected matches under strict security conditions.
The decision follows sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe after a football fan died and spectators invaded the pitch following the Warriors' 2-1 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last month.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed that CAF had granted exceptional authorisation for spectators to attend two upcoming fixtures at the stadium.
The matches are the Mighty Warriors' 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier against Malawi on October 13 and Scottland FC's CAF Champions League fixture against Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for October 17, subject to confirmation.
"CAF has granted exceptional, strictly conditional authorisation to admit a maximum of 10,000 spectators per match at the National Sports Stadium," ZIFA said.
The partial reopening comes with enhanced security measures designed to prevent a recurrence of the incidents that prompted the restrictions.
ZIFA said stadium gates would open five hours before kick-off to allow adequate time for security screening, orderly entry and seating.
Spectators will only be permitted into designated and approved areas, while further details on ticketing, entry procedures and parking arrangements will be communicated ahead of the matches.
The association also warned that it would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism, forced entry and any behaviour that threatens public safety.
Offenders risk being denied entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending future matches.
The decision offers Zimbabwean football supporters an opportunity to return to the stands, although attendance remains subject to CAF's strict conditions and compliance with enhanced safety requirements.
The decision follows sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe after a football fan died and spectators invaded the pitch following the Warriors' 2-1 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last month.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed that CAF had granted exceptional authorisation for spectators to attend two upcoming fixtures at the stadium.
The matches are the Mighty Warriors' 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier against Malawi on October 13 and Scottland FC's CAF Champions League fixture against Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for October 17, subject to confirmation.
"CAF has granted exceptional, strictly conditional authorisation to admit a maximum of 10,000 spectators per match at the National Sports Stadium," ZIFA said.
The partial reopening comes with enhanced security measures designed to prevent a recurrence of the incidents that prompted the restrictions.
ZIFA said stadium gates would open five hours before kick-off to allow adequate time for security screening, orderly entry and seating.
Spectators will only be permitted into designated and approved areas, while further details on ticketing, entry procedures and parking arrangements will be communicated ahead of the matches.
The association also warned that it would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism, forced entry and any behaviour that threatens public safety.
Offenders risk being denied entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending future matches.
The decision offers Zimbabwean football supporters an opportunity to return to the stands, although attendance remains subject to CAF's strict conditions and compliance with enhanced safety requirements.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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