CAF Partially Lifts Fan Ban at National Sports Stadium
CAF has conditionally authorised up to 10,000 fans at Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium for the Mighty Warriors’ Olympic qualifier against Malawi on October 13 and Scottland FC’s CAF Champions League match, following a full ban after a fan death and pitch invasion in September.
Kwedu News 
Harare — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted exceptional, strictly conditional permission for a maximum of 10,000 spectators to attend two upcoming matches at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, offering partial relief after imposing a full spectator ban following a fatal incident and pitch invasion last month.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the decision in a statement on Saturday.
The authorisation covers the Mighty Warriors’ Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifier against Malawi on October 13 and Scottland FC’s CAF Champions League fixture against Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for October 17, subject to official confirmation.
CAF had ordered all Zimbabwe home matches under its jurisdiction to be played behind closed doors after the September 28 Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
That match marked the National Sports Stadium’s return to international football following extensive renovations and years of restrictions.
Tragedy struck when a supporter died amid a stampede and crowd disturbance involving a police vehicle at Gate 2.
A post-match pitch invasion by fans further violated CAF regulations, prompting the disciplinary action, which also included a fine on ZIFA.
ZIFA reiterated its condolences to the family of the deceased supporter and emphasised that spectator safety remains the top priority.
Under the new conditional arrangement, stadium gates will open five hours before kick-off to facilitate thorough security screening, orderly entry and controlled seating.
Attendance will be strictly limited to 10,000, with spectators confined to designated and approved areas only.
Enhanced measures covering crowd management, access control, security deployment, medical services and emergency response will be enforced.
A CAF Safety and Security Officer will monitor compliance at both matches.
ZIFA stressed a zero-tolerance policy toward hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism, forced entry or any behaviour threatening public safety.
Offenders risk denial of entry, removal from the venue or bans from future matches.
Failure to meet the required standards could result in further restrictions or the withdrawal of the authorisation.
