By S. Siapha Mulbah
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched a formal investigation into the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex following tragic events at the 2024/2025 National County Sports Meet Finals. The investigation focuses on concerns regarding overcrowding, safety protocols, and the tragic loss of life during the final match between Lofa and Grand Gedeh counties.
The incident, which occurred during the high-stakes match, has deeply shocked the nation and drawn the attention of CAF, which is eager to understand what went wrong at Liberia’s premier football venue. The inquiry will focus on the management of the crowd, the effectiveness of safety measures, and whether the overall event planning met required standards to ensure the safety of spectators.
Moustapha Raji, President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), confirmed the investigation on Wednesday, revealing that CAF had contacted the LFA earlier this week to discuss troubling reports. According to Raji, CAF has requested a detailed review of the match report and a comprehensive investigation into the overcrowding, injuries, and the tragic death during the event.
The Confederation has made it clear that its investigation will not only examine the specific circumstances of the incident but will also scrutinize the overall management of the SKD Sports Complex. Should the investigation reveal any negligence or failures in crowd control and safety measures, Liberia could face significant repercussions, including a potential ban on the stadium from hosting future international events.
The CAF inquiry will focus on several critical issues, particularly the safety protocols in place at the stadium during the event. Among the key areas under review are the adequacy of crowd control measures, the availability of emergency medical teams, security arrangements, and the overall planning and preparation for the final match.
Given the large turnout of spectators, overcrowding has been identified as a potential contributing factor to the incident. Questions are being raised about whether the stadium’s infrastructure was sufficient to handle the influx of fans, and whether appropriate measures were in place to maintain order and ensure the safety of all attendees.
CAF’s investigation will also examine whether the proper crowd management protocols were followed, including the role of stadium officials, security personnel, and local authorities in maintaining order and protecting the safety of spectators. If any lapses are identified in these areas, it could result in significant consequences for Liberia’s ability to host future international matches.
In the wake of this tragic incident, the public and football community are calling for accountability and reforms to ensure that such an event never happens again. The investigation’s findings could lead to vital changes in event management practices, not only in Liberia but also across Africa, as the continent works to raise safety standards at large-scale sporting events.
As the investigation progresses, the football community, along with the families affected by the tragedy, is hoping for answers and assurances that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of this inquiry will likely have far-reaching implications for the management of future football events, with a renewed focus on the safety and well-being of spectators.
