( CNN ) -- African football 's ruling body , the Confederation of African Football , has called for a thorough investigation into how 15 fans died at a league match in the Democratic Republic of Congo . The fatalities occurred after a stampede broke out in the closing stages of Sunday 's decisive meeting between the country 's biggest clubs , AS Vita Club and TP Mazembe . Reports state that trouble flared after fans of home side Vita started throwing missiles onto the pitch with their team trailing 1-0 in a game where the victor would take the title . The police responded by firing tear gas whereupon a stampede for the exit gates led to chaotic scenes of overcrowding , resulting in the deaths and injuries to over 20 others . On its website , the Confederation of African Football ( CAF ) said the stampede 'caused the collapse of a wall and a gate of the Tata Raphael stadium ' . The match was taking place in the Congolese capital Kinshasa , at the stadium that staged the legendary 'Rumble in the Jungle ' boxing bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974 . `` I wish to reemphasize that any acts of violence have no place in football , '' CAF President Issa Hayatou told cafonline.com . `` They must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and I urge FECOFA ( the Congolese FA ) and authorities in DR Congo to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that measures ( are ) put in place to avoid a repeat of any incidents . '' The long-serving Cameroonian also demanded that CAF be kept abreast of any proposed security measures . Kinshasa governor Andre Kimbuta has already set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the disaster . `` On behalf of FIFA and in my own name , I offer you , and the Congolese FA , my sincerest condolences , '' wrote FIFA President Sepp Blatter in a letter to the President of FECOFA . `` I would be most grateful if you would pass on the deep sympathy and support of the entire international football community to the families , loved ones and clubs of the deceased and victims at this very difficult time . '' `` May this message soften their pain and bring them support and comfort . '' At FIFA 's headquarters in the Swiss city Zurich , the flags of both DR Congo and CAF were flown at half-mast in a sign of mourning . The disaster is the worst at a Congolese football match since a game in Butembo in 2008 , when 13 spectators -- many of whom were children -- died after police fired tear gas into the crowd shortly after stones had been thrown by the fans . Six years on , a similar set of circumstances has sparked a further devastating loss of life . The two teams are set to meet again on the weekend of May 24-25 in the group stages of the African Champions League . CAF is considering whether to play the match between AS Vita , crowned African champions in the 1970s , and four-time continental winners Mazembe behind closed doors . Mazembe stunned the footballing world in 2010 when becoming the first African side to reach the final of FIFA 's Club World Cup , but their name may now conjure up far sadder emotions .
African football body CAF calls for 'thorough ' investigation into DR Congo stadium disaster . Fifteen fans died as a stampede broke out at the game between AS Vita and TP Mazembe . FIFA President Sepp Blatter offers support of the entire football community . Match took place in stadium of 'Rumble in the Jungle ' fame .