Bafana fans beware! Alcohol among prohibited items at AFCON 2025 venues

Planning to travel to Morocco to cheer Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations? Then there are a number of things that you will have to do without.

AFCON 2025 will kick off on Sunday December 21 with hosts Morocco opening the tournament against Comoros and visitors in the country will have to abide by some strict regulations during their stay.

All six host cities of AFCON 2025 will have uniform rules and regulations which goes in line with what the North Africa country subscribes to while also aiming to guarantee a safe, fair and family-friendly atmosphere at Africa’s biggest football extravaganza.

Laser pointers prohibited

Top on the list of banned things is alcohol and laser pointers, the latter having cast a negative light on African football, especially during continental club competitions.

The use of laser pointers by fans aimed at distracting players, especially penalty takers and goalkeepers during critical moments of the match, has been spoken about numerous times but it still persists, with fans of North Africa clubs notorious for this behaviour.

“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,” the AFCON 2025 Local Organising Committee, which is working closely with the Confederation of African Football, over the new regulations said.

Forget booze parties at AFCON 2025

Meanwhile, 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.

What else is banned in Morocco?

The full list of items not allowed in any of the AFCON 2025 stadiums include:

·        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