South African side Orlando Pirates have copped a R430 000 fine following their dramatic Champions League clash against DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo in Orlando, Soweto, last month.
Lupopo needed penalties to beat Pirates 5-4, following a 3-3 aggregate score, for their place in the group stage of Africa’s premium club competition.
The talking point, however, was the on- and off-the-field clashes between the two sides, resulting in both reaching out to the controlling body CAF, to file their respective complaints.
Lupopo has been cleared regarding the fielding of their players, Henoc Molia and Ramos Kashala Wanet, with CAF confirming their registrations for the tournament are above board, but CAF has issued a two-match ban to Lupopo’s Mukoko Amale for unsporting conduct.
“CAF also clarified that the presence of coach Guy Bukasa on the bench during the match cannot be sanctioned against Lupopo,” said the DRC club in their official statement.
“However, the Disciplinary Committee upheld the six-month suspension of coach Guy Bukasa for the (DR Congo) U20 (national team) affair, along with a fine,” confirmed Lupopo.
“Saint Lupopo has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision rendered by CAF.”
Instead, Pirates appear to have come off worse in this debacle, with Lupopo avoiding disqualification from the tournament.
The Soweto giants were fined $5,000 (R86 000) for denying Saint Eloi Lupopo the necessary accreditations, according to Lupopo and a further $20,000 (R344 000) “for spraying chemicals in our team’s locker room”.
CAF are yet to publicly comment on the matter, while Pirates have yet to respond.
