FIFA fined Ivory Coast’s football federation after 22 people died in a stampede at a World Cup qualifying match last March.
The global governing body imposed a fine of $46,800 on Wednesday along with restrictions on the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan when it next hosts a World Cup qualifier.
“In the event of any similar incidents, FIFA would have no choice but to impose more severe sanctions on the Ivorian Football Association,” FIFA said in a statement.
FIFA investigators spoke with Ivorian police, and government officials but the disciplinary ruling did not blame anyone.
FIFA has ordered that traffic barriers must be erected within a mile of the stadium and checkpoints at least 100 yards from the venue to control the flow of spectators.
“The total capacity of the stadium will only be allowed in subsequent matches if the above-mentioned measures are applied for each match,” the ruling said.
Since the tragedy, FIFA has increased referees’ powers to delay kickoff times at international matches.
“All future matches will not be allowed to kick off until the designated FIFA security officer is satisfied with all aspects of stadium safety and security,” it said Wednesday.
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