African Football Federation gives fans free access to fuller stadiums after kick-off
The Moroccan organizing committee of the African Cup of Nations, which is currently taking place in the North African country, has decided, with the agreement of the African Football Federation CAF, to grant fans free access to certain matches approximately twenty minutes after kick-off. This should ensure better filled stadiums.
The CAF confirmed the news to the French news agency AFP. The measure has caused striking scenes in recent days, which received a lot of attention on social media: there were hardly any fans during the national anthems at several matches in the group stage, after which the stadiums were completely full during the first half. In several places there was even a crowd of fans who wanted to enter for free.
The matches of the Moroccan national team, which are all sold out, are not covered by the measure. The Africa Cup is a test for Morocco towards the 2030 World Cup, which the North African country is organizing together with Spain and Portugal.