Orlando Pirates were still hoping to enter the CAF Champions League group stages this season via an appeal.
This comes after Pirates claimed a couple of breaches were made by St. Eloi Lupopo of the DRC last month.
Pirates appeal against Lupopo
Lupopo beat Pirates over two legs in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League but their progression was in jeopardy. This after the Buccaneers filed a complaint to CAF flagging the registration of two players from the DRC side. Furthermore, they challenged the eligibility of their coach Guy Bukasa being on the bench. This after he a touchline ban for his involvement in an altercation while incharge of the DRC U20 side.
With the CAF acknowledging the complaint from Pirates, the lengthy silence seemed to suggest a glimmer of hope for them. But according to Lupopo, the African football mother body has finally made a ruling, one not favourable to the Buccaneers.
CAF rule in favour of DRC side
“Official Communiqué
The CAF rules in favor of FC St Lupopo against Orlando Pirates FC!
Football Club Saint Lupopo has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision handed down by the African Football Confederation (CAF). The latter rejected the complaint from the South Africans of Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of players Molia and Kashala, who were duly registered. The African Football Confederation (CAF) also specified 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 has confirmed the six-match suspension of coach Guy Bukasa Misakabu for the U-20 affair, accompanied by a fine.” Wrote the club on their X account.
Fair decision?
This then closes the chapter of a return for Pirates in this season’s CAF Champions League. Lupopo on the other hand can continue with their trip to South Africa to face Mamelodi Sundowns. Do you feel like this was a fair decision? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.