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The National Sports Stadium has been granted conditional approval to admit spectators, with attendance capped at 10,000 for two upcoming football matches following restrictions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced on Saturday that the approval covers the Mighty Warriors’ Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifier against Malawi on 13 October and Scottland FC’s CAF Champions League match against Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for 17 October.
In a statement, ZIFA said the authorisation was subject to strict safety and security requirements, warning that failure to comply could result in further restrictions or the withdrawal of permission to admit spectators.
The association said stadium gates would open five hours before kick-off to allow adequate time for security screening, orderly entry and seating. Attendance will be strictly controlled, with supporters restricted to designated and approved areas.
ZIFA said ticketing, entry and parking arrangements would be communicated separately ahead of the matches.
The association also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism and forced entry, warning that offenders could be denied entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending matches.
Enhanced security measures will include improved crowd management, access control, security deployment, medical services and emergency response systems.
A CAF Safety and Security Officer will monitor and assess the implementation of the measures.
The approval follows the death of a football supporter during a stampede at the National Sports Stadium during Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo on 28 September, an incident that prompted CAF to impose restrictions on spectators at Zimbabwe’s home international matches.
ZIFA expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said the safety of supporters, players, officials and other match personnel remained its top priority.
The association also acknowledged the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, for providing formal guarantees to CAF, as well as the security services, medical teams, emergency responders and stadium authorities for their cooperation.
