Johannesburg – DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo has won a legal battle with the Confederation of African Football after a complaint by South Africa’s Orlando Pirates was dismissed and the Pirates were handed financial penalties.
CAF confirmed the eligibility of Lupopo players Molia and Kashala, who were at the centre of the dispute. The ruling also stated that coach Guy Bukasa’s presence on the bench during the match could not be used against the Congolese team. Bukasa, however, remains under a six-month suspension for a previous under-20 matter and has been fined.
Orlando Pirates were fined for actions deemed detrimental to Lupopo. The South African club must pay $5,000 for denying the Congolese side necessary match accreditations and $20,000 for allegedly spraying chemicals in Lupopo’s locker room.
“CAF rejected the complaint filed by Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of our players,” Lupopo said in a statement. “This decision reaffirms the victory achieved on the field and strengthens our club’s position in the competition.”
Lupopo is now in South Africa preparing to face Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend, promising to defend its interests with determination.
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