By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The CAF Disciplinary Board has charged both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates with misconduct and failure to organise adequate security in their champions league fixtures respectively.
In a statement CAF said, “The CAF Disciplinary Board charged Mamelodi 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 CAF Champions League fixture against Esperance (1 April, 2025).”
“The Club was found guilty and ordered to pay a fine of USD 100 000 (R1.8 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.
Pirates was also charged with misconduct and failure to organise adequate security in the CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger (9 April, 2025).
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, read the statement.
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.
The club was 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 Sundowns and Al Ahly will battle it out on Saturday in the first leg of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) semi-finals.
The match is set to kick off at 3pm on Saturday at Loftus Stadium.
Pirates will face Egyptian side Pyramids FC over two legs in another Champions League semi-final, on 19 April at 18:00 for the first leg. The second leg is on Friday, 25 April, in Egypt.