FIFA sends condolences after deaths at Afcon

Football’s world governing body Fifa has sent its “deepest condolences” to families and friends of the victims of a crush outside the Olembe Stadium at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

At least eight people were killed and 38 injured as fans struggled to get access to a match between the hosts and Comoros in Yaounde.

The Olembe Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but was not meant to be more than 80% full because of Covid-19 restrictions.

However, match officials were quoted as saying that as many as 50,000 people were trying to attend Monday’s match.

“Fifa sends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the tragic incident that took place at Olembe Stadium,” the statement from Fifa said.

“The thoughts and prayers of the global football community are with the victims, the ones who have been injured in this incident, and all the staff of both the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and the Cameroonian Football Association (Fecafoot) at this difficult moment.”

Caf is investigating the situation and in “constant communication” with the Cameroonian government and the local organizing committee.

Caf said its general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba visited injured supporters in hospital on Monday night.