CROWD TROUBLE INVITES CAF WRATH: FKF fined Sh1m over fans distress in Guinea Bissau tie

Harambee Stars' Captain Victor Wanyama, second left, Johanna Ochien'g and Goalkeeper Arnold Origi, right, confront FIFA Referees' Norman Matemera, left and assistant 1 Salani Ncube after awarding Gieneu Bissau a controversial goal during the return leg of the African Cup Of Nations at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, March 27, 2016. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally cracked the whip on Kenya over the March 27 chaos that erupted during their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau at Nyayo Stadium.

The continental body has fined Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh1million and warned it of dire consequences should a similar incident happen in future.

Before the chaos erupted, Kenyan players had furiously protested a goal scored by Guinea Bissau, with goalkeeper Arnold Origi confronting the match referee. Play had to be stopped for almost 30 minutes as police battled agigated Kenyan fans.

The match, however, resumed and Guinea Bissau held on to their narrow 1-0 win. In a statement from CAF, the continental body wrote thus; “In case a similar incident occurs, the team may play on neutral ground/without spectators or at a different stadium.”

Kenya, however, is not required to pay the whole amount as Sh500,000 is suspended and will only be paid if a similar incident occurs.

According to FKF Chief Executive Robert Muthomi, they will do everything to ensure the stadia are safe.

“We are relieved that the punishment from CAF was not something more drastic. We will do our best to ensure it does not happen again,” he said.

Many quarters expected a stiffer penalty like a Sh10million fine and an automatic ban of fans from attending the next qualifier, which will be on June 3 against Congo at Nyayo Stadium.

The continnetal body has also in the same statement reprimanded Guinea Bissau after ball-boys invaded the home pitch in celebration of the team’s 1-0 win over Kenya four days before the ill-fated return match in Nairobi.

Apart from Kenya, DR Congo has also been fined US$10,000 (Sh1m) following the pitch invasion during their match against Angola in late March.