Foot Africa
·19 ottobre 2025
CAF Champions League: Tunisian club Espérance under fire after security breaches follow victory in Ouagadougou

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·19 ottobre 2025
CAF Champions League: Tunisian club Espérance under fire after security breaches follow victory in Ouagadougou
In the wake of the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, which saw Espérance Sportive de Tunis (EST) edge out Rahimo FC 1-0 at the 04 August Stadium, a security incident overshadowed the Tunisian triumph. On October 19, the Burkinabè Football Federation (FBF) issued a lengthy statement condemning the illegal entry of flares and other prohibited items by Espérance supporters.
More seriously, the Burkinabè federation pointed to an alleged "collusion" involving certain members of the visiting technical staff, accusing them of concealing banned materials inside the team's official equipment to bypass security checks.
Despite strict security measures, including thorough searches of all fans and the prior confiscation of prohibited items, some individuals managed to smuggle flares and other "forbidden objects" into the 04 August Stadium in Ouagadougou. Initial investigations by the Burkinabè FA revealed these items were "hidden in the official equipment of the Tunisian team," suggesting logistical assistance from some members of the Espérance technical staff.
Detailed report submitted to CAF
In the same statement, the Burkinabè federation announced that a detailed report on the incident had been prepared and immediately sent to the "relevant authorities" at the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This report not only points the finger at the "unacceptable behavior" of Espérance fans, but also at the "alleged collusion by some technical staff members" in smuggling these prohibited items.
Organizational loopholes flagged
This unfortunate incident prompted the Burkinabè federation to raise a crucial issue regarding CAF's organizational protocols. The statement highlighted "shortcomings in CAF regulations that do not mandate systematic inspections of players’ and technical staff’s equipment inside the stadium." The Burkinabè FA called for "strengthening security measures in our sports facilities" and a review of inspection protocols.If these allegations are confirmed by CAF, the Tunisian side could face sanctions, especially as the continental body has a zero-tolerance approach to security and order in stadiums. The matter now rests with CAF, which will need to take the appropriate decisions regarding these accusations of security breaches and undermining the spirit of fair competition in the coming weeks and months.
On the sporting front, the return leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round between Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Rahimo FC is scheduled for October 24 in Tunisia. The Tunisians have taken a step toward qualification with their narrow away win in Ouagadougou on October 18.
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