In preparation for this week’s highly anticipated return leg Quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25, the CAF Safety and Security Division held a crucial meeting with representatives from the 16 participating clubs.
The gathering brought together Member Associations, Senior Club Officials, and various stakeholders to discuss critical safety measures for the upcoming matches.
Dr. Christian Emeruwa, the head of CAF Safety and Security, emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that its primary objective was to foster alignment, enhance cooperation, and refine operational plans for the Quarterfinal stages and beyond in CAF Interclub competitions. He stressed the necessity of bringing together clubs and senior representatives, including Safety and Security Officers, to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at ensuring the safety and security of fans, stakeholders, and the general public at stadiums.
Dr. Emeruwa underscored CAF’s commitment to elevating the standards of Interclub football, urging each club to diligently create a safe environment for supporters. He called on clubs to engage with their supporter groups, emphasizing their vital role as stakeholders in the mission to reposition football across Africa.
“All club managers and security stakeholders are expected to collaborate closely with CAF security and national security officers to guarantee that stadiums are safe and welcoming for everyone throughout the continent,” Emeruwa asserted.
During the meeting, CAF reaffirmed its dedication to establishing secure stadiums for players, officials, stakeholders, and fans alike. The discussions also included a debriefing on recent troubling incidents of hooliganism at some matches, which had marred the atmosphere at certain stadiums.
The organization and the clubs addressed these unacceptable events, signaling a united front to tackle such challenges and uphold the integrity of the competitions.