Orlando Pirates are R1.3 million poorer after breaking rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Buccaneers have copped a fine of R1.3 million from Africa’s football authority, owing to how things unfolded from their CAF Champions League clash against Algerian side MC Alger on 9 April at Orlando Stadium.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged Orlando Pirates with misconduct and failure to organize adequate security in the CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger (9 April, 2025),” reads a statement from CAF.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board found Club Official Ezekiel Matebula guilty and imposed a ban of four (4) matches, of which two (2) matches are suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of this decision.
“Orlando Pirates players Sipho Chaine and Nkosinathi Sibisi were also found guilty and suspended for one (1) match for improper conduct. Their suspensions are suspended for one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.
“Orlando Pirates were fined USD 50,000 (R940,000) for the improper conduct of their team and a further USD 20,000 (R376,000) for the failure to ensure adequate security.”
Meanwhile, MC Alger didn’t escape the sanctions, as they were fined a total of USD 155,000 (R2.9 million) for contravening CAF rules in their two matches against Pirates.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged charged MC Alger with violating Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code as well as Articles 32 and 35 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations in their CAF Champions League fixture against Orlando Pirates (1 April, 2025),” stated CAF.
“The Club was found guilty. The guilty verdict forces the execution of the suspended disciplinary sanction pronounced by the Disciplinary Panel on 24 November 2024, namely the obligation to play two (2) matches behind closed doors during its next matches of the CAF club competition, in which Club MC Alger (Algeria) will play as the host club.
“MC Alger also received a fine of USD 10,000 for the lighting of smoke bombs and a further USD 20,000 for the use of laser pointers. Lastly, a fine of USD 10,000 has been imposed for the throwing of objects.
“In a separate judgement arising from the CAF Champions League fixture against Orlando Pirates (9 April, 2025), the CAF Disciplinary Board suspended Mr. Mohamed Khezrouni, assistant coach of MC Alger, for four (4) matches for violating articles 82 and 123 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. A fine of USD 15,000 has also been imposed on Mr. Khazeroun.
“Abdelkader Oussama Menezla, MC Alger player, was suspended for two (2) matches, including one (1) suspended match for one year.
“A fine of USD 100,000 has been imposed for the inappropriate behavior of its players and officials.”
