A series of violent incidents across CAF competitions has raised serious concerns over security measures and organizational failures, with growing calls for Africa’s football governing body to take decisive action.
The latest outbreak of violence occurred in Pretoria, where clashes erupted between Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters during a CAF Champions League fixture.
Security forces had to intervene, escorting Tunisian fans under police protection after projectiles were thrown in the stands.
In December, similar scenes unfolded in Senegal, when USM Alger supporters were attacked by Jaraaf ultras following a CAF Confederation Cup match.
Several fans sustained injuries, requiring emergency medical attention.
Tanzania has also witnessed unrest. CS Sfaxien fans had to flee for safety after their side’s controversial defeat to Simba SC, with some supporters jumping over barriers to escape violent confrontations.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, a different form of controversy arose as Pyramids FC allegedly restricted ticket access for visiting AS FAR supporters, violating CAF regulations that mandate a minimum ticket allocation for away fans.
The Moroccan club has since filed a formal complaint.
A growing crisis in African football
These incidents highlight a disturbing rise in violence and administrative lapses within CAF tournaments.
From stadium security failures to inconsistencies in enforcing regulations, the Confederation of African Football faces mounting criticism over its handling of these issues.
South Africa: Violence mars Sundowns-Esperance clash
The high-profile match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance de Tunis turned chaotic as supporters engaged in violent confrontations, throwing objects across the stands.
Police intervention was required, with the Tunisian embassy in South Africa coordinating efforts to ensure the safe evacuation of visiting fans.
Several injured supporters had to be hospitalized.
Senegal: Attacks on USM Alger fans
After USM Alger’s clash with Jaraaf, visiting supporters fell victim to violent attacks.
Some suffered injuries severe enough to require hospital treatment.
In response, USM Alger issued a statement condemning the attacks and formally lodged a complaint with CAF.
Tanzania: CS Sfaxien fans targeted after controversial match
A heated CAF Confederation Cup encounter between Simba SC and CS Sfaxien spiraled out of control when home fans turned on the visiting Tunisian supporters.
Reports suggest CS Sfaxien fans were forced to flee the stadium, with some jumping over barriers to escape violence.
Egypt: AS FAR files complaint over ticket restrictions
A separate controversy arose in Egypt, where Pyramids FC allegedly limited the ticket allocation for AS FAR fans to just 100 seats—far below the 5% minimum allocation required under CAF rules.
AS FAR has since lodged a formal protest, citing unfair treatment.
CAF’s security failures under scrutiny
The spate of incidents exposes critical shortcomings in CAF’s handling of match security and regulations enforcement.
Three key areas stand out:
- Inadequate Security Measures
– The absence of clear emergency protocols was evident in Pretoria, where the safe evacuation of fans required diplomatic intervention.
– In Senegal and Tanzania, violent attacks on visiting supporters highlight a failure to ensure crowd control and fan safety. - Ticketing and Stadium Access Issues
– Pyramids FC’s restriction of AS FAR fans is not an isolated case; similar disputes over ticket allocations have arisen across CAF tournaments.
– Poor management of ticketing policies has fueled tensions, particularly in high-stakes matches. - Weak Disciplinary Actions
– CAF’s inconsistent approach to punishing clubs for security failures has emboldened repeat offenders.
– Cases such as Jaraaf’s failure to protect visiting USM Alger fans have gone largely unpunished, raising concerns over CAF’s ability to enforce its own regulations.
Urgent reforms needed to restore credibility
If African football is to maintain its growing global reputation, urgent reforms are needed.
CAF must strengthen security protocols, enforce stricter punishments for rule violations, and work closely with local authorities to improve fan safety.
Key measures should include:
- Mandatory security protocols at all CAF-sanctioned matches, including strict crowd segregation and enhanced police presence.
- Stronger disciplinary actions against clubs that fail to control fan behavior, with possible stadium bans or financial penalties.
- A clear ticketing framework to prevent discriminatory practices and ensure fair access for visiting supporters.
- Deployment of CAF match observers for high-risk games to monitor security compliance.
With continental football expanding in stature, CAF must act decisively to prevent further violence and protect the integrity of its competitions.
If left unchecked, these recurring incidents threaten to overshadow African football’s progress on the global stage.
