Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, has released a comprehensive list of prohibited items for all tournament venues, confirming a strict ban on alcohol and laser pointers.
The measures, announced ahead of the tournament’s kickoff in December, are aimed at guaranteeing a safe, fair and family-friendly atmosphere at Africa’s biggest football showpiece.
CAF’s decision to outlaw laser pointers comes after repeated incidents in African club and international competitions where the devices were used by fans to distract players—particularly goalkeepers—during critical moments.
“The use of laser pointers is a blatant form of cheating and a dangerous safety hazard.
CAF is sending a clear message that there will be zero tolerance for any action that endangers players or undermines the integrity of the game,” a LOC official stated.
The governing body has faced growing pressure from teams, match officials and analysts to address the issue, which has often drawn negative global attention to African football.
In line with Moroccan law and cultural norms, CAF also confirmed that the sale and consumption of alcohol will be strictly prohibited inside and around all six AFCON 2025 host stadiums.
The ban extends to glass bottles, cans and similar containers, reinforcing safety standards for large-scale sporting events.
CAF and the LOC stressed that the policy reflects Morocco’s commitment to staging a secure and well-organised tournament while fully respecting national regulations.
List of Prohibited Items
CAF reiterated that the following items will not be allowed into any AFCON 2025 stadium:
Weapons, sharp objects and pyrotechnics (including flares, fireworks and explosives)
Laser pointers
Alcohol and illegal substances
Glass bottles, cans and similar containers
Large bags and backpacks beyond approved size limits
Banners or materials carrying political, religious or offensive messages
The restrictions form part of a broader security framework jointly developed by CAF and Moroccan authorities, including extensive training programmes for safety commanders and security personnel across all host cities.
With African superstars such as Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi expected to light up the tournament, CAF insists its priority is to keep the focus firmly on the football action on the pitch as Morocco prepares to host AFCON 2025.
