CAF launches ‘Secure Stadiums’ workshop in Toubab Dialaw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun a three-day workshop in Toubab Dialaw, Senegal, aimed at improving security standards across sporting venues on the continent.

The initiative, held from 23 to 25 September under the banner “Secure Stadiums”, brings together experts, specialists and security officials to address persistent challenges in safeguarding football infrastructure.

Stadium safety has been a recurring concern for CAF, often highlighted during major fixtures.

The issue resurfaced most recently in Kinshasa, where lapses in organisation and crowd management were evident during the World Cup qualifier between DR Congo and Senegal.

Such incidents have reinforced the urgency of adopting stronger measures to ensure the safety of players, officials and supporters alike.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which is partnering with CAF for the event, confirmed that the workshop is designed as a forum for exchange and collaboration.

This is an exchange workshop to strengthen security in sports facilities, the FSF stated, underlining the importance of cooperation between continental authorities and national federations.

Over the course of the three days, participants are examining practical strategies for crowd control, risk management, emergency preparedness and the deployment of modern technologies to monitor stadium environments.

By pooling expertise from across Africa, CAF aims to establish consistent standards that can be applied to both domestic competitions and international tournaments.

The choice of Senegal as host reflects the country’s growing role in African football, not only on the pitch but also in matters of governance and infrastructure.

For CAF, Toubab Dialaw provides an opportunity to test the effectiveness of its initiative in a setting where football remains deeply embedded in the national culture.

📸 Début ce mardi à Toubab Dialaw de l’atelier de la CAF sur l’initiative « Stades Sécurisés », prévu du 23 au 25 septembre 2025 au Sénégal. Trois jours d’échanges pour renforcer la sécurité dans nos infrastructures sportives. 🏟️🔒 pic.twitter.com/Zqw2oIZvm9

— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) September 23, 2025

While the immediate objective is to enhance safety within Senegalese venues, the broader ambition is to create a model that can be replicated across Africa.

CAF has repeatedly stressed that the success of its competitions depends not only on sporting excellence but also on providing secure environments for fans and participants.

As the workshop progresses, attention will turn to how its outcomes are translated into action, with federations expected to implement new frameworks in the coming months.

The “Secure Stadiums” project is therefore seen as a crucial step in raising standards, reducing risks and restoring confidence among supporters attending matches across the continent.

By bringing together local and international expertise, CAF hopes to ensure that stadium tragedies become a thing of the past and that African football can thrive in a safe and professional environment.