Saint-Eloi Lupopo accused of fielding suspended player in Linafoot match

CS Manika has officially filed a complaint against FC Saint Éloi Lupopo following a match in DR Congo’s top flight Linafoot, accusing the Lubumbashi club of fielding an ineligible player. The player in question is Burkinabe midfielder Dramane Kambou.

Foot RDC reported that Manika claims Kambou was suspended during the 2024/25 Linafoot season game between Lupopo and AS Maniema Union. Although the suspension occurred last season, Manika’s management argues that Kambou should have missed the match against Manika in the 2025/26 season, where Lupopo emerged victorious.

The club’s management therefore believes that Lupopo violated the regulations and is demanding disciplinary sanctions, citing Article 65 of the Disciplinary and Ethical Code (CDE). So far, Lupopo’s management has refuted the claim, stating that Kambou was eligible to play against Manika.

Saint Éloi Lupopo has been in the spotlight this season after eliminating Orlando Pirates from the CAF Champions League. The South African side had filed a complaint to CAF over player ineligibility, but Lupopo dismissed the claim. This marks the second time this season that Lupopo has been involved in a player ineligibility case.