The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed a complaint
from Orlando Pirates and upheld the eligibility of FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo’s
players, dealing an administrative blow to the Soweto giants.
Pirates had challenged the Congolese club’s 1-0 victory in the CAF
Confederation Cup, alleging that player Ramos Kashala Wanet was fielded
ineligibly because his international clearance was processed after the
official deadline.
However, CAF has ruled decisively in Lupopo’s favour. In a statement
released by the Congolese club, CAF confirmed “the eligibility of players
Molia and Kashala, who are regularly registered,” effectively validating
their on-field result.
The ruling was compounded by significant financial sanctions imposed on
Orlando Pirates. The club has been fined:
- $5,000 (approx. R85,000) for depriving FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo of
necessary matchday accreditations. - $20,000 (approx. R343,500) for spraying chemicals in the visiting
team’s locker room.
In a separate but related matter, the CAF Disciplinary Jury also confirmed a
six-match suspension for Lupopo’s coach, Guy Bukasa Misakabu, stemming from
a previous case involving the DRC U-20 team.
Lupopo celebrated the decision, stating, “This decision comforts the victory
achieved on the field, and strengthens our club’s position in the
competition.” The club added that it would “continue to defend its interests
with the greatest determination.”
