AFCON 2025: Morocco Allows Free Stadium Entry After Kick-Off to Boost Attendance

Organisers of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have begun allowing supporters to enter stadiums free of charge after kick-off in matches where the stands are not filled, a source at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.

According to the source, who spoke to AFP, the measure is being applied selectively during group-stage fixtures that record low turnout before the start of games. Stadium gates are reportedly opened around 15 to 20 minutes after kick-off, permitting fans waiting outside to enter without tickets in a bid to improve atmosphere and fill empty seats The move comes amid concerns over poor early attendance at some AFCON 2025 matches, particularly fixtures not involving host nation Morocco or traditional continental heavyweights. Television images of sparsely populated stands had sparked criticism and raised questions about ticket pricing, match scheduling, and local fan engagement. Reports from several host cities indicate that attendance improved significantly once the free-entry policy was activated. In some matches, crowd numbers reportedly doubled before halftime after late-arriving fans were allowed into the stadiums at no cost. CAF sources stressed that the policy is not an official change to ticketing rules, but rather a temporary, match-by-match arrangement agreed with local organisers to preserve the tournament’s image and ensure a lively matchday experience. Despite the late free entry, tickets for AFCON matches remain officially on sale through CAF’s designated platforms, with higher demand recorded for games involving Morocco and other top African teams. Only a limited number of fixtures have sold out completely so far. Morocco is hosting the tournament as part of broader efforts to showcase its readiness for major global events, including its role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Ensuring full stadiums and vibrant crowds is seen as critical to that ambition. AFCON 2025 continues across multiple Moroccan cities, with organisers expected to monitor attendance trends closely as the competition progresses into the knockout stages.