The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a stringent list of prohibited items for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, set to be hosted by Morocco. The list, which includes ten major categories of banned objects, is designed to ensure maximum safety and a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Zero Tolerance for Safety and Disruption
With the tournament kick-off scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, when hosts Morocco face Comoros, CAF is leaving nothing to chance. The football governing body, working closely with Morocco's Local Organising Committee, has mandated that these rules be enforced uniformly across all six host cities and their stadiums.
The measures reflect a blend of international stadium safety standards and Morocco's local laws and cultural values. Security personnel have undergone extensive training to implement these protocols. Fans attempting to bring any banned items risk having them confiscated, being denied entry, or facing more serious legal consequences depending on the severity of the offence.
What You Cannot Bring Into AFCON 2025 Venues
The comprehensive ban covers items that pose health, security, and operational risks. Topping the list are weapons and alcoholic beverages. In strict alignment with Moroccan law, alcohol consumption is completely prohibited in and around the stadiums, a move CAF believes will significantly reduce disorder and improve overall crowd safety.
Similarly, all venues will be smoke-free zones, with cigarettes and lighters banned due to fire hazards and public health concerns. Other items posing direct safety threats include:
- Laser pointers and gas sprays: These carry severe penalties. Laser lights have been used in the past to target players, especially goalkeepers, while gas sprays can cause mass panic and breathing difficulties in crowded spaces.
- Masks, face coverings, and offensive materials: Banned to ensure individual identification and to prevent the display of racist, political, or discriminatory messages.
- Umbrellas, helmets, and balls: Prohibited as they can be used as projectiles or weapons or disrupt play if thrown onto the pitch.
Bans for Crowd Comfort and Match Organisation
Several restrictions focus on ensuring spectator comfort and smooth match-day operations. To protect broadcasting rights and avoid obstructed views, professional cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed.
Oversized flags and banners exceeding prescribed size limits (typically between 1m and 2m) are also prohibited, as they block sightlines and can cause disputes among fans. To ensure stadium announcements and emergency instructions remain audible, musical instruments like trumpets, horns, whistles, and vuvuzelas are banned.
Even everyday items like food, glass bottles, cans, and toilet paper are not permitted, as they pose littering, hygiene, and safety risks when thrown in packed venues. Only sealed plastic bottles purchased inside the stadiums will be allowed. Pets are also banned from the venues.
Focus on Football as Super Eagles Chase Glory
These regulations are set against the backdrop of high anticipation for the tournament, where African stars like Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Nigeria's Victor Osimhen, and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi are expected to shine. The Super Eagles of Nigeria are ranked among the favourites to lift the trophy, alongside contenders like Egypt, Senegal, and the host nation, Morocco.
CAF's firm stance is clear: the focus must remain squarely on the football. By eliminating potential sources of conflict, danger, and disruption, the aim is to create a secure and enjoyable environment for all families and fans attending Africa's premier football event.
