CAF Slaps Orlando Pirates With Heavy Fine Over ‘Chemical Use’ and Accreditation Breach
Orlando Pirates have found themselves on the wrong side of CAF’s disciplinary hammer following their dramatic CAF Champions League preliminary-round exit to FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo. The Soweto giants, who were eliminated on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw at Orlando Stadium, have now been issued with a substantial $25,000 fine for two separate rule violations.
CAF confirmed that Pirates breached competition regulations during the heated second leg, penalising the club $5,000 for allegedly denying Lupopo officials proper accreditation access, and an additional $20,000 for the use of certain chemical substances inside the visitors’ changing room—a serious safety and procedural infringement under CAF’s tournament guidelines.
The sanctions arrive just days after Pirates failed in their attempt to overturn the match result. The Buccaneers had lodged an appeal questioning the eligibility of Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa and two players, Henoc Molia and Ramos Khashala Wanet. Pirates argued that Bukasa was still serving a CAF-imposed suspension from his involvement in an incident at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, and further claimed that Molia’s registration was filed after the deadline while Wanet’s documentation was irregular.
CAF, however, dismissed the appeal in its entirety.
In a statement released on their official channels, Lupopo welcomed what they described as a “decisive administrative victory.” The club confirmed that CAF had verified the legitimacy of Molia and Wanet’s registrations and upheld Bukasa’s suspension as unrelated to the Champions League fixture—therefore not preventing him from being on the bench for the tie.
The Congolese side also revealed that CAF formally rejected all claims submitted by Pirates and proceeded with the financial sanctions. Lupopo added that the ruling “strengthens our position in the competition” and praised CAF for confirming their victory both “on the field and in administration.”
For Pirates, the episode adds further frustration to a disappointing continental campaign, leaving the club not only out of the Champions League but also facing a costly disciplinary bill. Lupopo, meanwhile, have vowed to continue defending their interests as they progress in the competition with renewed confidence.