AFCON Stampede: CAF president blames stadium officials for closing gate
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has blamed officials at the Yaounde Olembe stadium for the stampede that led to the death of eight spectators at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
At a press conference on Tuesday, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said, “There was an abnormal number of people including those who did not have tickets. Thousands of people more than what was expected did arrive in a manner that is not properly coordinated and governed.”
The continent’s football chief faulted officials for shutting the stadium gates against fans, adding that nobody would have died if the gate was opened as it was supposed to.
He admitted that several irregularities were observed with the organisation of the round of 16 fixture between Cameroon and Comoros, stating that the stadium received spectators that were way more than CAF’s approved figure.
CAF had approved a maximum of 40,000 fans in the 60,000 seater stadium for matches of Africa’s top soccer tournament, however, Cameroonian police disclosed that more than 57,000 spectators were at the stadium to watch the match resulting in the deadly stampede.
On the way forward, Mr Motsepe ruled out possibilities of suspending the tournament despite the tragic incident, but noted that the Yaounde Olembe stadium would not be hosting subsequent fixtures of the tournament.
He disclosed that matches initially billed to take place at the stadium would now be played at Yaounde’s Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.
On Monday, no fewer than eight persons were reported dead in a stampede during the AFCON round of 16 clash between Cameroon and Comoros at Yaounde Olembe Stadium.
More from Peoples Gazette
Uncategorized
IMF tells El Salvador to stop using Bitcoin as official currency
IMF also warned that at current debt spending levels, El Salvador’s public debt could rise to about 96 per cent of GDP in 2026, calling it an “unsustainable path.”
World
Thirty-four people killed in Madagascar tropical storms
More than 35,260 people have been forced to take shelter in 62 displacement sites established by the authorities.
Anti-Corruption
Rivers state aircraft hidden by Amaechi since 2012 found in Germany: Wike
Legacy 600 jet purchased by Mr Odili’s administration was hidden in Germany after Mr Amaechi assumed power, the statement further explained.
Economy
FG’s $4 billion Eurobond oversubscribed to tune of $12.2 billion: DMO
“The Eurobond, which was issued in September 2021, was oversubscribed to the tune of $12.2 billion and was described as one of Africa’s most successful…”
Politics
Fulani herdsmen didn’t endorse Tinubu as presidential aspirant: Miyetti Allah
On Sunday, one of Miyetti Allah leaders, Ya’u Haruna, said, “We are also scanning the people showing interest in the presidential seat with Bola Tinubu leading.”
Economy
Buhari gave N1.682 trillion loans to governors, repayable in 20 years: Presidency
Mr Buhari is a national hero who regularly pays federal civil servants’ salaries, unlike state governors who run to him for loans to settle salary arrears.
