Orlando Pirates‘ case against St. Eloi Lupopo has been dismissed by the Confederation of African Football, meaning the Linafoot side will remain in the CAF Champions League.
The Buccaneers had lodged an official complaint with CAF after being eliminated on penalties by Lupopo in the second preliminary round.
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However, CAF have now ruled in favour of Lupopo, which shared the official statement on their channels.
“Football Club Saint Lupopo has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” read the statement.
“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:
• $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.
“This decision reaffirms the victory achieved on the field and strengthens our club’s position in the competition. FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo will continue to defend its interests with the utmost determination.”
Lupopo have been drawn in Group C alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, MC Alger and Al Hilal.
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