As excitement builds for the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament, football fans across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are gearing up to support their teams. However, before heading to the stadiums, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the official rules and regulations regarding what you can and cannot bring. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), in collaboration with CAF’s Safety and Security Department, has implemented a strict list of banned items to ensure safety, prevent disruptions, and enhance the matchday experience.
This article provides a detailed guide on the items prohibited from the stadiums during CHAN 2024, along with essential information on what to expect on match day. By respecting these guidelines, fans will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable tournament.
List of Items Banned from CHAN 2024
To maintain security and ensure that every fan has a smooth, enjoyable experience, certain items have been strictly prohibited across all stadiums during CHAN 2024. Below is the full list of banned items, divided into categories.
Noise-Making Devices Are Not Allowed
While it’s tempting to bring your vuvuzela or whistle to cheer on your team, fans are urged to leave all noise-making devices at home. These items can disrupt the match and make it difficult to communicate important announcements. The following noise-making items are banned:
- Vuvuzelas
- Whistles
- Drums
- Megaphones
- Loudspeakers
Although these items are common at football events, they can drown out emergency messages or announcements that are crucial for crowd safety. Enjoy the game with cheers and chants, but keep it sound-friendly.
No Food or Drinks from Outside
For health, safety, and hygiene reasons, bringing food or drinks from outside is prohibited in the stadiums. This includes:
- Takeaway meals
- Bottled water or sodas
- Canned beverages
- Cups or thermos flasks
Exceptions will be made only for baby food or medically necessary items. Fans are encouraged to eat before coming to the stadium or purchase food and beverages from authorized vendors inside the venue. This ensures a consistent and controlled food service environment.
Say No to Political and Offensive Material
CHAN 2024 is an event to celebrate African unity through football. To maintain this spirit, the LOC has prohibited any political, controversial, or offensive material from the stadium. This includes:
- Banners with political messages
- Signs targeting gender, race, religion, or nationality
- Flags promoting personal agendas or controversial ideologies
These materials are strictly banned to ensure that the focus remains on the sport and not on divisive issues. CHAN 2024 is about supporting your team, not spreading personal or political messages.
Avoid Carrying Powder or Loose Substances
To prevent health and visibility risks, items such as powders are not allowed in the stadium. This includes:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Any other powdery substances
These substances can cause respiratory issues and obstruct visibility for both players and spectators. For celebratory purposes, it’s better to find alternative ways to show your excitement without the use of powders.
Dangerous or Disruptive Items
Safety is the primary concern at any sporting event. To ensure that everyone remains safe, the following items are banned:
- Firearms or ammunition (real or replica)
- Knives, sharp objects, or flammable materials
- Explosives or fireworks
- Chemical substances
- Helmets
- Breakable objects like glass bottles
These items can cause harm to fellow fans and disrupt the event. Stadium security will thoroughly inspect fans entering the venue, and any dangerous items found will result in denied entry.
Electronics That Can Interfere Are Prohibited
Certain electronic devices that could interfere with stadium operations, broadcasting, or communication systems are also prohibited. These include:
- Signal jammers
- Advanced communication devices
- Broadcasting or surveillance tools
- Musical gadgets that may disrupt systems
These devices could cause technical issues and disrupt the seamless flow of the game. The goal is to keep the focus on the match and ensure that all systems are functioning optimally.
Other Restricted Personal Items
To maintain a comfortable and safe environment for everyone, the following items are also banned:
- Pets or animals (except certified service dogs)
- Folding chairs
- Cooler boxes
- Suitcases or large bags
- Umbrellas with sharp tips
These items can obstruct views, create unnecessary crowding, and pose safety risks in emergencies. Stick to the essentials and keep your personal items minimal for a smoother entry process.
What to Expect on Match Day
When attending CHAN 2024, fans can expect strict security checks at all venues. For example, Kenya’s opening match against DR Congo on August 3 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will be under tight security, with similar protocols at all other venues in Uganda and Tanzania.
All fans will undergo thorough screenings at the gates, and any prohibited items will either be confiscated or result in denied entry. Fans are advised to arrive with their tickets in hand and only bring allowed personal items. Note that there will be no ticket sales at the gates, so ensure you have your tickets beforehand.
A Safe, Unified African Football Festival
These security measures are not meant to limit excitement or fun but to ensure that CHAN 2024 remains a safe, enjoyable event for everyone. The rules are designed to provide a secure environment while ensuring that the focus stays on the beautiful game and African unity. Additionally, these rules serve as a preparatory phase for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The LOC and CAF emphasize that CHAN 2024 is a celebration of African sportsmanship and unity. The aim is to bring together fans from different regions, united in their passion for football, while respecting the safety and well-being of all attendees.
