CAF concludes successful Safe Stadium Initiative workshop in Johannesburg
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has successfully concluded the latest CAF Safe Stadium Initiative (SSI) Workshop, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 27 to 29 July 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening safety and security standards across African football.
The three-day workshop brought together National Safety and Security Officers from the COSAFA region, equipping them with the knowledge, practical tools and best practices required to enhance stadium safety and security operations within their respective Member Associations.
Since its launch, the initiative has reached 36 CAF Member Associations through a series of regional workshops, reflecting CAF's continued investment in creating safer football environments for players, officials, supporters and all stadium stakeholders.
Speaking after the successful conclusion of the programme, CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, said the programme is built on the principle of empowering those entrusted with protecting football spectators.
"Our objective is to ensure that the people responsible for delivering safety and security at football matches have the knowledge, skills and confidence to do so effectively. By transferring expertise to our Member Associations, we are helping to strengthen football safety across the continent while supporting the implementation of CAF's safety and security standards."
Dr Emeruwa noted that many Member Associations continue to face similar operational challenges, including congestion at stadium entrances, ticketing systems, spectator segregation and accurately determining safe stadium capacities.
"Every country has its own realities, but the fundamentals of stadium safety should remain consistent. Whether a match is played in Southern, West, East, Central or North Africa, there should be common minimum standards that guide how safety and security operations are planned and delivered."
Dr Emeruwa further emphasised the importance of support from Member Associations to ensure the programme's long-term success.
"Our role is to equip participants with the knowledge and resources they need, but sustainable implementation depends on continued support from Member Associations. We want these National Safety and Security Officers to become catalysts for improved stadium safety within their leagues, clubs and football communities."
Through the Safe Stadium Initiative, CAF continues to strengthen safety and security capabilities across its Member Associations, supporting the delivery of safer, more professionally managed football matches throughout Africa.