Pirates hit with R430,000 CAF fine over ‘chemical use’ scandal

Orlando Pirates have been slapped with a colossal fine of $25,000 (approximately R430,000) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a series of serious disciplinary breaches during their recent CAF Champions League tie against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo.

The fine relates to two distinct violations that occurred during the volatile second leg at Orlando Stadium last month, a fixture which saw the Buccaneers dramatically eliminated on penalties after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate.

Heavy Penalty for Pirates’ ‘Chemical’ Incident

The largest portion of the penalty, a staggering $20,000 (R343,000), was levied against Pirates for the “use of chemical products in the proximity to the locker-room area of FC Saint Eloi Lupopo.”

This punitive measure validates earlier claims made by the visiting Congolese side, who alleged a “toxic substance” was sprayed near their dressing room. CAF’s disciplinary ruling underscores the gravity of the offence, noting that the action “presented an unknown and potential risk to the health and safety of players and officials” of the visiting team.

Accreditation Chaos Adds to Fine

In addition to the chemical incident, the Soweto giants incurred a $5,000 (R85,700) fine for failing to manage matchday logistics. The penalty was issued for “failing to provide the visiting team… with the necessary accreditations,” a lapse that led to what CAF described as “disorderly scenes and confrontations at the entrance of the stadium.”

The disciplinary action comes in the wake of CAF’s separate decision to dismiss Pirates’ formal complaint aimed at having them reinstated into the competition. Pirates had argued for disqualification against Lupopo based on the alleged ineligibility of coach Guy Bukasa and two players, Henoc Molia and Khashala Wanet.

While Pirates’ protest was ultimately unsuccessful—confirming Lupopo’s advancement to the group stage—the focus has now squarely shifted back to the home club’s conduct during the highly charged match.

Meanwhile, the drama continues for Lupopo, as CAF also confirmed a two-match ban for their controversial defender, Dieumerci Mukoko Amale, for unsportsmanlike conduct during the very same fixture.