CAF warns NFA about fans’ behaviour

WINDHOEK The Namibia Football Association (NFA) received a stern warning from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) about the bad behaviour of fans during the African Cup Nations Qualifier (AFCON) against Niger in Windhoek, in June.

A media statement availed to Nampa by the NFA on Monday said CAF’s disciplinary board noted that missiles were thrown onto the pitch by the fans who attended the match that the Brave Warriors won one-nil courtesy of a Peter Shalulile goal.

The warning from CAF said in a meeting held at the confederation’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt on 3 July 2016, the Board examined all the documents relevant to the match and decided to address a warning letter to the Namibian Football Association with regards to the behaviour of the spectators in the stadium requesting the federation to take all necessary measures to ensure safety and security during future matches.

The disciplinary board considered Article 82 on the ‘Principles of Conduct’ of the CAF Disciplinary Code, which stipulates that national associations, clubs, officials and members, as well as their players, shall respect the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.

It also took into consideration Article 83 on ‘Responsibility’, which says national associations, clubs and officials are responsible for ensuring that games are not brought into disrepute in any way by the conduct of their players, officials, members, supporters and any other persons exercising a function at a match at the request of the association or club.

It also says the host association or club is responsible for order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after the match. It is liable for incidents of any kind, and can be rendered subject to disciplinary measures.

NFA secretary general Barry Rukoro reiterated the association’s call for fans to desist from such behaviour in future and to promote the integrity of the game.

“It is very regrettable and unfortunate that in the midst of celebrations some of our fans resorted to missile throwing onto the pitch. We again urge them to refrain from such behaviour and respect referees’ decision at all times and uphold a reputable behaviour. We cannot afford to be fined for these kind of actions and therefore I call upon all Namibians to root out this evil from our game,” Rukoro said.

The NFA recently hosted the Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup in Windhoek, where a few objects were thrown on to the pitch during the Brave Warriors games. Football fans tend to throw objects on to the pitch when they are not happy with the match officials’ performance or when their team is not playing well. In the Niger instance however, the objects were thrown on to the pitch as a way of celebrating the Shalulile goal. – Nampa

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