Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have found themselves in CAF’s crosshairs, incurring collective fines totalling over R3 million. Beyond the hefty financial penalties, CAF’s iron fist also included suspensions for players and an official from the Bucs camp.
Sundowns have been slapped with a hefty R1.88 million fine. The CAF disciplinary committee found the club liable for security breaches that occurred during the first-leg of the CAF Champions League tie against Tunisian giants Esperance at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, 1 April.
Fan violence marred the Tshwane giants’ 1-0 victory, as celebrations turned to chaos after the final whistle. Clashes erupted between supporters of both sides, leaving some fans visibly injured with bandages and bloodied shirts.
Even though they reportedly initiated the unrest, the situation escalated to a point where the safety of Esperance fans was compromised. They had to remain on the pitch until a police escort could ensure their safe departure from the stadium.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged Sundowns to have breached Article 82 and 83.2 of the CAF Disciplinary Code as well as Articles 32 and 35 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations arising from its TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against Esperance [1 April, 2025],” reads the CAF ruling. “The club was found guilty and ordered to pay a fine of USD 100 000 [R 1.88 million] and is required to strictly implement the safety and security measures specified in the CAF regulations, guidelines and directives, particularly in their upcoming matches.”
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FINED R1.88 MILLION BY CAF
CAF also took action against Esperance as the club was charged with misconduct and violations of Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code due to the inappropriate actions of their supporters in the Sundowns tie.
Subsequently, the Disciplinary Board found Esperance guilty and imposed a substantial fine of USD 150,000, equivalent to approximately R2.8 million.
Meanwhile, Pirates face a total fine of USD 70,000 [about R1.32 million] stemming from their goalless draw against Algerian club MC Alger in the second-leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, 9 April at Orlando Stadium.
This fine is broken down into two parts: R941,095 for what CAF termed “improper conduct” and an additional R376 438 for failing to ensure adequate security within their stadium.
Furthermore, CAF imposed sanctions on Pirates official Ezekiel Matebula, who has been handed a four-match suspension from CAF-related activities, with two of those matches suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Adding to Pirates’ woes, two of their players, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, have each received a one-match suspension. “Their suspensions are suspended for one year, starting from the date of the present decision,” declared CAF.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged Orlando Pirates with misconduct and failure to organise adequate security in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger [9 April, 2025],” added the governing body for African football.
CAF IMPOSES STADIUM BAN AND R2.9 MILLION FINE ON MC ALGER AFTER PIRATES GAME
CAF didn’t just fine Pirates; they also heavily sanctioned their opponent, MC Alger of Algeria, who were found guilty of multiple violations.
As a result, MC Alger will have to play their next two home CAF club competition matches behind closed doors due to a prior suspended sanction. They were also hit with a series of fines: R188,219 for smoke bombs, R376,438 for laser pointers, and another R188,219 for throwing objects.
On top of that, CAF handed down individual punishments to MC Alger personnel. Assistant coach Mohamed Khezrouni received a four-match suspension and a R282,329 fine. Player Abdelkader Oussama Menezla was suspended for two matches [one of which is suspended for a year]. Additionally, the club incurred a fine of about R1.88 million for the inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board 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 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against Orlando Pirates [1 April, 2025].”
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