CAF must tackle North African hooliganism head-on

CAF must tackle North African hooliganism head-on as a matter of urgency, particularly with matches scheduled in the region on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This is an ideal time to implement preventative measures, as the shadow of hooliganism — especially prevalent in North Africa — continues to loom large over the sport. North African football has gained notoriety for recurring incidents of fan violence that tarnish the game’s reputation.

On Tuesday, Espérance will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunisia. On Wednesday, Zamalek will welcome Stellenbosch for the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final in Cairo.

The host clubs must ensure that security and safety protocols are in place and strictly maintained. However, CAF must also guarantee that these measures are adequate and, if necessary, provide guidance or oversight.

In light of last week's violent incidents, CAF has faced criticism for not intervening decisively, and there may be strong grounds for banning offending clubs from future participation.

To effectively combat hooliganism, CAF should adopt a multi-pronged approach, inspired by successful strategies used globally. This includes deploying more trained security personnel equipped to act swiftly using advanced surveillance systems monitoring crowd behaviour. These systems must be actively manned to detect and report emerging trouble spots.

Officials must conduct thorough security checks at all entry points to prevent prohibited items such as flares or weapons from entering the venue. Separate seating for rival supporters should be enforced, alongside designated entry and exit routes for different fan groups to minimise confrontation.

Many incidents arise due to security breaches and fans failing to adhere to matchday safety protocols. As a result, cases of hooliganism have increased alarmingly.

As the continent's football governing body, CAF stands at a critical juncture. They must act decisively to rein in this escalating threat and avoid the perception of being ineffectual.

Hooliganism not only endangers supporters’ safety but also threatens the commercial appeal of the sport — potentially driving away sponsors, families, and general fans, which would affect the financial sustainability of clubs and leagues across North Africa.

CAF must issue strong warnings to clubs that fan misconduct will result in severe consequences — ranging from hefty fines and suspensions to stadium bans. Additionally, individuals involved in acts of violence should be prohibited from attending future matches.