CAF dismiss Orlando Pirates' case against Lupopo, fines Bucs | OneFootball

CAF rules in favor of Lupopo, fines Pirates

Photo: Orlando Pirates players

Democratic Republic of Congo outfit FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo have confirmed that CAF committee has dismissed Orlando Pirates' case against them and fined the South African club.

The Soweto giants lodged a complaint over the eligibility of Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa after he was suspended for six CAF matches following a sending off against the South African U20 national team in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Moreover, Pirates questioned the eligibility of Lupopo players in Henoc Moila and Wanet Kashala, whom they believed were improperly registered.

Now, the DRC side announced that the verdict was in their favor, with CAF finding no reason to sanction the cub following a lengthy deliberation and findings.

“CAF rules in favor of FC St Lupopo against Orlando Pirates FC. Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision handed down by the African Football Confederation (CAF),” read the club statement.

"The latter rejected the complaint from the South Africans of Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of players Moila and Kashala, who were duly registered. The African Football Confederation also specified that the presence of coach Guy Bukasa on the bench during the match cannot be subject to a sanction against Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo.

"However, the Disciplinary Jury has confirmed the six-match suspension of coach Guy Bukasa Misakabu for the U-20 affair, accompanied by a fine.

"Furthermore, following the complaint from our club against Orlando Pirates, the CAF has imposed financial sanctions on the South African club:

"This decision reinforces the victory obtained on the field and strengthens the position of our club in the competition. FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo will continue to defend its interests with utmost determination.

Lupopo will continue with their preparations for the CAF Champions League group stages, where they are pitted against Mamelodi Sundowns, Al-Hilal and MC Alger in Group C.