HARARE — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporarily suspended spectator access to all CAF-sanctioned matches hosted in Zimbabwe following the death of a football fan during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Cabinet announced the decision on Tuesday during its latest briefing, saying CAF took the measure as a precaution. At the same time, it reviews and verifies safety and security protocols at venues hosting its competitions.

“All CAF matches to be played in Zimbabwe during the period of this suspension shall therefore be held behind closed doors until further notice,” the Cabinet announced.

The fatal incident occurred during Zimbabwe’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against DR Congo at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on September 28.

A spectator died during a disturbance at Gate 2 as supporters attempted to enter the stadium.

Police said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

The match, which marked the return of international football to the renovated National Sports Stadium, ended in a 2-1 in favour of DR Congo.

The tragedy was followed by a pitch invasion after the final whistle, with reports indicating that the two incidents were central to CAF’s decision to impose the spectator suspension.

Zimbabwean sports authorities have also said the stadium’s homologation should be considered separately from the incidents that triggered the CAF action.

CAF extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and to the people of Zimbabwe.

CAF’s decision aims to maintain the highest safety and security standards at its competitions.

The suspension will affect CAF-sanctioned matches involving Zimbabwean national teams and clubs played at home.

Recent reporting indicates that upcoming fixtures involving Zimbabwean teams will have to be played without spectators until the suspension is lifted.

The decision comes as a major setback for Zimbabwean football, which recently celebrated the return of international matches to the giant National Sports Stadium after years of restrictions and renovation.

The government is meanwhile investigating the circumstances surrounding the spectator’s death and has said it will review and strengthen crowd-management, access-control and emergency-response measures at sporting facilities.

CAF has not stated when the spectator suspension will be lifted.