CAF rules on Orlando Pirates vs Lupopo’s Champions League claims, Mukoko suspended!

Continental's Football Governing Body CAF has fined Orlando Pirates and confirmed Dieumerci Mukoko's suspension ahead of the CAF Champions League outing against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Bucaneers hosted the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit a couple of weeks ago at Orlando Stadium. The two ties, in the final preliminary round, ended 3-3 in aggregate before the visitors advanced following the shootout win.

Pirates lodged a complaint about Lupopo who, they claimed fielded inelligible players and allowed coach Guy Bukasa on the touchline despite his initial suspension in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations with the country's junior team.

Lupopo were also unhappy with Pirates' reception, especially after chemicals were sprayed in their changing room.

What CAF decided

“Football Club Saint Lupopo has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” a statement from the authorities read.

“It rejected the complaint from South African team Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of players Molia and Kashala, who were properly registered. The CAF also clarified 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 confirmed the six-match suspension of coach Guy Bukasa Misakabu for the U-20 case, along with a fine. Furthermore, following our club’s complaint against Orlando Pirates, the CAF imposed financial sanctions on the South African club.

Fines to Pirates, suspension to Mukoko

• $5,000 (R86 000) for depriving FC Saint Eloi Lupopo of the necessary accreditations.

• $20,000 (R344 000) for spraying chemicals in our team’s locker rooms.

Meanwhile, Lupopo will have to play Mamelodi Sundowns in Group C's fixture scheduled for Saturday without the services of Mukoko, who exhibited unsporting behaviour against Pirates.

The defender will not be involved in two games as confirmed by CAF.