Planning to attend CHAN 2024 and cheer for your team? Great! But before you grab your whistle, vuvuzela, or favorite snack, take a moment to review the updated stadium rules.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), in collaboration with CAF’s Safety and Security Department, has released a strict list of items banned from the stadiums across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
These rules are designed to prioritize safety, prevent disruptions, and enhance the matchday experience. Breaking them could mean being turned away at the gates.
List of Items Banned from CHAN 2024
To maintain security and create a family-friendly environment, the following items are strictly prohibited across all stadium venues during CHAN 2024.
Noise-Making Devices Are Not Allowed
Fans are urged to leave all noise-making items at home. This includes:
- Vuvuzelas
- Whistles
- Drums
- Megaphones
- Loudspeakers
Although commonly associated with football cheer, these devices can drown out important announcements and hinder emergency communication.
No Food or Drinks from Outside
Bringing food and drinks into the stadium is also prohibited. This includes:
- Takeaway meals
- Bottled water or sodas
- Canned beverages
- Cups or thermos flasks
Exceptions will only be made for baby food or medical reasons. Fans are encouraged to consume meals before arriving or purchase from authorized vendors inside the stadium.
Say No to Political and Offensive Material
To keep the focus on the sport, the LOC has banned:
- Banners with political messages
- Signs targeting gender, race, religion, or nationality
- Flags that promote personal agendas or controversial ideologies
CHAN 2024 is a celebration of African unity through sport. Political messages have no place in the stands.
Avoid Carrying Powder or Loose Substances
Items such as:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Any powdery substance
…are completely banned, even for celebratory use. These materials pose visibility and health risks.
Dangerous or Disruptive Items
For everyone’s safety, you should not carry:
- Firearms or ammunition (real or replica)
- Knives, flammable materials, or sharp objects
- Explosives or fireworks
- Chemical substances
- Helmets
Even breakable objects like glass bottles are banned to prevent injury and crowd chaos.
Electronics That Can Interfere Are Prohibited
This includes:
- Signal jammers
- Advanced communication devices
- Broadcasting or surveillance tools
- Musical gadgets that can disrupt systems
The aim is to prevent any technical disruptions to live broadcasts or stadium operations.
Other Restricted Personal Items
Leave these at home too:
- Pets or animals (except certified service dogs)
- Folding chairs
- Cooler boxes
- Suitcases or large bags
- Umbrellas with sharp tips
These items can block views, create crowding, or become safety hazards.
What to Expect on Match Day
Kenya’s opening match against DR Congo on August 3 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will be under tight security. The same goes for all venues in Uganda and Tanzania.
All fans will be thoroughly screened at the gates. Any prohibited item found will either be confiscated or result in denied entry. There will also be no ticket sales at the gate, so fans must come prepared—with tickets in hand and only permitted belongings.
A Safe, Unified African Football Festival
The LOC and CAF have emphasized that these measures are not to suppress excitement but to ensure that CHAN 2024 sets the gold standard for safe, enjoyable football tournaments. The rules also act as a test run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the three countries are preparing to co-host.
“Let’s show the world what African unity and sportsmanship look like,” the LOC stated. “Bring your passion, wear your colors, and leave the prohibited items at home.”
So if you’re heading to CHAN 2024, travel light, respect the rules, and enjoy the football. Let’s cheer, not disrupt.
