Football is more than just a game; it's a global celebration of skill, passion, and community. However, when tensions rise, the beautiful game can quickly turn ugly. From hooliganism and violence perpetuated by fans to safety gaps in the stadiums, incidents of anti-sportsmanship behaviour and inadequate security threaten to overshadow the spirit of football.
This article seeks to dive into the challenges faced by football organisers and authorities. We explore the growing concerns over the fans/spectators’ conduct and stadium safety issues, which must be tackled head-on with the application of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations to protect the integrity of the game and the safety of all participants.
Definition
Anti-sportsmanship conduct by fans refers to behaviours that undermine the principles of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship in football. Such actions include hooliganism, verbal abuse, taunting, throwing objects, or engaging in violent conduct, all of which have the potential to disrupt the event and create a hostile atmosphere for participants. These behaviours do not only threaten the integrity of the game but also the safety and enjoyment of those involved.
In contrast, stadium safety and security, as defined by CAF, focuses on the protection of everyone attending a football match, including spectators, players, and officials, as well as the safeguarding of the stadium's infrastructure. This concept entails ensuring a safe environment through various measures, such as maintaining structural integrity, implementing effective security protocols, and fostering a culture of safety within football associations. The primary objective of these measures is to prevent fatalities and other safety-related incidents during football events, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all involved1.
Issue
In the CAF Champions League quarter-final match of 01 April 2025 between Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa) and Esparance Sportiv de Tunis (Tunisia), there were clear elements of anti-sportsmanship conduct displayed by fans as well as safety and security
1 CAF Safety and Security Regulations 2019.
concerns and/or negligence by those whose duty it was to ensure that all participants remain safe in light of the perceivable violence and hooliganism at play.
Causes of anti-sportsmanship conduct by spectators There are two primary types of fans who can become hooligans at sporting events. The first group consists of individuals who actively seek out violence and fights, attending matches with the sole intention of engaging in abusive and disruptive behaviour. The second group includes fans who initially do not intend to partake in violent actions but are drawn into the chaos due to their support for fellow fans. Several factors contribute to the occurrence of hooliganism at sporting events. These factors include social identity theory, where group loyalty and identity can drive aggressive behaviour, controversial referee decisions that may inflame tensions among supporters, and excessive alcohol consumption, which can impair judgment and escalate conflicts. Additionally, a lack of visible security at events can exacerbate these issues, as it may lead to an inability to prevent or control violence, particularly during clashes between rival fan groups.2 Repercussions of misconduct displayed by fans
Through case law, we learn that CAF takes strict measures to maintain sportsmanship and discipline during its competitions. When fans engage in anti-sportsmanship conduct, associations and clubs they support suffer the most repercussions.
In 2024, several football clubs were penalised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for misconduct related to fan behaviour during CAF competitions. Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya faced sanctions for their supporters' actions during a match against Simba Sports Club of Tanzania in September 2024. The club was ordered to play two future matches behind closed doors and fined USD 20,000, with one match's sanction suspended for a year. Similarly, CR Belouizdad of Algeria was fined USD 10,000 after their fans used smoke bombs during a Champions League match against Orlando Pirates in November 2024. AS FAR from Morocco also faced penalties, including fines for both smoke bombs and the use of lasers during a match against Mamelodi Sundowns in December 2024. Additionally, CAF's Disciplinary Code
2 BBC. (n.d.). ‘Spectator behaviour - combating hooliganism’. BBC. 2 April 2025: https://www.bbc.co.uk
under Article 132(3) specifies that spectators engaging in racist or discriminatory behaviour will face a ban from attending any CAF events for at least 2 years. These measures emphasise CAF's commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring fair play across its competitions.
Whilst it is not up to us to make a determination as who the instigators of the violent conduct displayed during the match between Sundowns and Esperance are, all of which is subject to the investigations and/or determination by CAF, there is a party and/or parties that must be held accountable in terms of the CAF regulations.
Repercussions for inadequate security measures by the host
In December 2024, Equatorial Guinea was charged by CAF for failing to provide adequate security during its Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers’ match against Togo on 14 November 2024 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. CAF found the country guilty of the breach and imposed a suspended sanction of USD 25,000. Additionally, a USD 5,000 fine was levied due to the lack of security, which led to supporters invading the pitch during the match. This ruling serves as a warning to other hosts, including Mamelodi Sundowns, who may face similar penalties if found guilty of failing to provide sufficient security, particularly in response to incidents of violence, as occurred during their first-leg CAF Champions League match against Esperance.
Risk mitigation strategies
Whilst CAF has adequate reactive measures in place, there are more proactive risk mitigation strategies to be considered, having observed same from the English Premier League, which include:
1.Identification of high-risk matches, which are matches that have the potential for one or more forms of crisis which can either be safety or security related.
2.Separation of supporters into different seating areas to reduce chances of violent behaviour between rival supporters as they could be sitting next to each other and thereby increasing chances of violence.
3.Introduction of an advanced video surveillance so that security personnels on duty are able to monitor supporters and intervene timeously on the face of violence.
4.For every CAF match, have an accessible record of supporters that have been declared persona non-gratas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining stadium safety and promoting sportsmanship are essential components for ensuring that football remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all parties involved. The rise in anti-sportsmanship behaviour poses significant challenges to organisers and governing bodies like CAF. It is crucial for clubs, federations, and local authorities to take proactive steps in risk mitigation, such as identifying high-risk matches, improving spectator management, and enhancing security protocols. By working together, stakeholders can foster a culture of respect, safety, and fairness that ensures that African football remains a source of unity and enjoyment for all.
