The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe has blamed an “inexplicable” decision to close an entry gate at Olembe Stadium for the stampede that killed eight people and left dozens injured.
Motsepe addressing a press conference a day after the incident was visibly upset about the loss of lives during Cameroon’s round of 16 win over Comoros.
“That gate was supposed to be open because if it was open they would have walked through, and for inexplicable reasons it was closed,” Motsepe said.
“If that gate was open as it was supposed to, we wouldn’t have had this problem we have now, this loss of life. Who closed that gate? Who is responsible for that gate?”
A baby was reportedly one of those trampled by the crowd and was in a “medically stable” condition.
Motsepe called for a probe after Cameroon’s President Paul Biya earlier ordered an investigation “so that all light is shed on this tragic incident."
He added that the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final due to be played at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday will be switched to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium, also in Yaounde.
Teams will wear black armbands and a minute's silence will be observed before every game.