No Alcohol, No Lasers As CAF Tightens Stadium Rules for AFCON 2025

No Alcohol, No Lasers As CAF Tightens Stadium Rules for AFCON 2025

By BSN Sports 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, has released an official list of prohibited items for all tournament venues, confirming a ban on alcohol and laser pointers, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The regulations, announced ahead of the tournament’s kickoff in December, are aimed at ensuring a safe, fair and family-friendly environment at Africa’s flagship football competition.

CAF said the decision to outlaw laser pointers follows repeated incidents across African club and international matches where the devices were used by spectators to distract players, particularly goalkeepers, during crucial moments.

“The use of laser pointers is a blatant form of cheating and a serious safety risk,” a Local Organising Committee official said. “CAF is sending a clear message that there will be zero tolerance for actions that endanger players or compromise the integrity of the game.”

The issue has drawn increasing criticism from teams, match officials and football analysts, with concerns that such incidents damage the global image of African football.

In line with Moroccan law and cultural regulations, CAF also confirmed that the sale and consumption of alcohol will be strictly prohibited inside and around all six AFCON 2025 host stadiums. The ban extends to glass bottles, cans and similar containers, in line with international safety standards for major sporting events.

CAF and the LOC said the measures reflect Morocco’s commitment to hosting a secure, well-organised tournament while fully complying with national regulations.

CAF confirmed that the following items will not be permitted at any AFCON 2025 venue:

Weapons, sharp objects and pyrotechnics, including flares, fireworks and explosives.

Laser pointers.

Alcohol and illegal substances.

Glass bottles, cans and similar containers.

Large bags and backpacks exceeding approved size limits

Banners or materials carrying political, religious or offensive messages.

The restrictions form part of a wider security framework jointly developed by CAF and Moroccan authorities, which includes extensive training programmes for security commanders and personnel across all host cities.

With leading African stars such as Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi expected to feature, CAF said its priority is to ensure that attention remains firmly on the football as Morocco prepares to host AFCON 2025.