The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have handed Orlando Pirates two heavy fines.
The punishment comes after Saint-Eloi Lupopo lodged complaints over incidents during their CAF Champions League qualifier.
CAF RULES IN FAVOUR OF ST-ELOI LUPOPO
Orlando Pirates tried to fight back off the pitch following their dramatic exit. The Buccaneers were beaten 3–0 in Lubumbashi, before producing a stunning 3–0 win in Soweto to force penalties. But after losing 5–4 in the shootout, the club immediately shifted focus to the boardroom.
They filed three cases against Lupopo, targeting head coach Guy Bukasa and players Henoc Molia and Ramos Khashala Wanet. The Buccaneers argued Bukasa should not have been on the bench due to a prior CAF suspension from a U-20 AFCON brawl, and questioned the registration of both Molia and Wanet.
Unfortunately for Orlando Pirates, Lupopo confirmed CAF’s verdict: all three complaints were dismissed.
TWO FINES FOR THE BUCCANEERS
Soon after the Soweto giants filed their complaints, the DR Congo club retaliated with two cases of their own, both of which resulted in fines for the Sea Robbers.
CAF found Orlando Pirates guilty on two counts:
- $5,000 (R86,000) for denying Lupopo access to match accreditations
- $20,000 (R344,000) for spraying chemicals in Lupopo’s locker room.
With the CAF Champions League dream shattered, Bucs now turn their attention to the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants on 6 December at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. From there, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men will focus on the Nedbank Cup and the Betway Premiership.
