Innocent Kurira [email protected]
FOOTBALL fans will be allowed back into the National Sports Stadium next week, but only under strict conditions after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted Zimbabwe exceptional authorisation to admit a maximum of 10 000 spectators per match.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced on Saturday that the conditional return of spectators will apply to 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 October 17.
The development comes after CAF imposed restrictions following the security incidents at the National Sports Stadium, including the death of a supporter.
ZIFA said the safety of spectators, players, officials and match personnel remained its foremost priority.
As part of the new arrangements, stadium gates will open five hours before kick-off to allow adequate time for security screening, orderly entry and seating.
Attendance will be strictly controlled and will not exceed the 10 000 limit, while spectators will only be allowed into designated and approved areas.
ZIFA said ticketing, entry and parking arrangements for the two matches would be announced separately.
The association has also warned supporters that it will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism and forced entry.
“Offenders will be refused entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending matches, as appropriate,” ZIFA said.
Supporters will also be required to follow instructions from police, stewards and match officials, keep access routes and emergency exits clear, and report unsafe behaviour.
Enhanced crowd management, access control, security deployment, medical services and emergency response measures will be put in place, with a CAF Safety and Security Officer tasked with monitoring and assessing their implementation.
ZIFA warned that failure to meet CAF’s conditions could result in further restrictions or the withdrawal of the authorisation.
The association thanked the Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, for guarantees provided to CAF, while also acknowledging the security services, medical teams, emergency responders and stadium authorities.
CAF’s assessment of the two matches and the effectiveness of the corrective measures will influence decisions on future spectator access.
ZIFA has urged supporters to respect the new arrangements and help protect the opportunity for fans to return to the National Sports Stadium.
“Let us rally behind our teams with passion, respect and discipline, making the National Sports Stadium a safe and welcoming venue for everyone,” the association said.
