CAF Imposes $25,000 Fine on Orlando Pirates Following champions League Exit
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Orlando Pirates has been slapped with a $25,000 fine by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their elimination from the CAF Champions League preliminary round by FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo, stemming from accreditation breaches and alleged chemical substance use. The Soweto giants, defeated on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw, now face a meaningful financial penalty.
Accreditation Issues and Chemical Substance Allegations
CAF confirmed the South African club violated competition regulations during the second leg of the match. A $5,000 penalty was levied for allegedly denying Lupopo officials proper accreditation access.More seriously, an additional $20,000 fine was issued due to the use of unspecified chemical substances within the visiting team’s changing room-a violation of CAF’s stringent safety and procedural guidelines.
Failed Appeal to Overturn Match Result
The sanctions come shortly after CAF dismissed an appeal lodged by Pirates seeking to overturn the match result. The club questioned the eligibility of Lupopo’s head coach,Guy Bukasa,and two players,Henoc Molia and Ramos Khashala Wanet. Pirates contended that Bukasa was still serving a CAF suspension related to an incident at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt. They also claimed Molia’s registration was submitted past the deadline and Wanet’s documentation was incomplete.
However, CAF rejected the appeal in its entirety, affirming the legitimacy of the players’ registrations and stating that Bukasa’s prior suspension was unrelated to the Champions League fixture.
Lupopo Celebrates “Decisive Administrative Victory”
FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo welcomed the decision, describing it as a “decisive administrative victory” in a statement released through their official channels. The Congolese side confirmed CAF’s verification of Molia and Wanet’s registrations and the upholding of Bukasa’s eligibility. “CAF formally rejected all claims submitted by Pirates and proceeded with the financial sanctions,” the club stated, adding that the ruling “strengthens our position in the competition” and validates their victory “on the field and in administration.”
Disappointing Campaign for Orlando pirates
For Orlando Pirates, this episode represents a further setback in a disappointing continental campaign. The club is not only eliminated from the Champions League but also burdened with a substantial disciplinary bill. Lupopo, conversely, has expressed its commitment to defending its interests and progressing confidently in the competition.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions, integrated into a substantive news report:
Why: Orlando Pirates was fined $25,000 by CAF due to violations of competition regulations during their Champions League preliminary round match against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo. These violations included denying proper accreditation to Lupopo officials and the alleged use of unspecified chemical substances in the visiting team’s changing room.
Who: The key parties involved are Orlando Pirates (the fined club), FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo (the opposing team and complainant), and the Confederation of african Football (CAF, the governing body issuing the sanctions). Guy Bukasa (Lupopo’s coach), Henoc Molia, and Ramos Khashala Wanet (Lupopo players) where subjects of eligibility challenges by Pirates.
What: CAF imposed a $25,
