CAF Condemns Deadly Violence After Fatal Stadium Clashes in DR Congo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong condemnation following deadly violence during a football match in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the weekend. The tragedy occurred during a league fixture between FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo and Sanga Balende of Mbuji-Mayi, leaving three people dead after tensions escalated over controversial refereeing decisions.
The unrest broke out when disgruntled fans reacted violently to what they perceived as poor officiating. In response, local police reportedly fired live ammunition in an attempt to restore order, leading to the fatal outcome. The incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of violence marring African football stadiums in recent years.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAF expressed its deep sorrow and unequivocal condemnation of the events. “Football must remain a moment of communion, fraternity, sharing, celebration, and joy—true to the legendary culture of hospitality and solidarity of African peoples,” the statement read. “It is therefore always with emotion, dismay, but above all vehement disapproval that we perceive such events.”
CAF President Issa Hayatou and the governing body reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on violence in football, vowing to support strict disciplinary action and work toward a safer football environment across the continent.
“African football cannot be a breeding ground for any hooliganism whatsoever,” the statement continued. “We expect exemplary sanctions to be taken, because violence has no place in African football in particular and sport in general.”
CAF also pledged to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of violence and unsportsmanlike behaviour from stadiums throughout Africa, calling on clubs, federations, and national authorities to take responsibility and implement tougher security and disciplinary measures.
This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges many African nations face in securing football matches and managing crowd behaviour, especially in emotionally charged local derbies and high-stakes encounters.
The exact circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation, and it is expected that the Congolese Football Federation, along with relevant authorities, will initiate disciplinary proceedings and possibly criminal investigations in the coming days.
As fans, players, and officials mourn the loss of life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure safety in African sport. CAF’s message is clear: football must be a force for unity, not division.
The organisation has called for solidarity across the football community and vowed to work closely with member associations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
