Orlando Pirates opened three cases against Saint-Eloi Lupopo’s head coach, Guy Bukasa, and two players, Henoc Molia and Ramos Khashala Wanet.
It is understood that the South African side believes Bukasa was not supposed to sit on the bench after being suspended by CAF following a brawl during an Under-20 AFCON match against South Africa, whilst Molia is alleged to have been registered outside the transfer window period. Meanwhile, Wanet’s registration with the Congolese outfit is being disputed after holding two passports.
CAF UPDATED ON ORLANDO PIRATES COMPLAINT AGAINST SAINT-ELOI LUPOPO
Speaking to the media after the CAF Champions League group stage draw in Johannesburg, CAF’s Head of TV and Communications, Luxolo September, offered the latest on the cases.
“The first thing I can do, first of all, is to confirm that we are aware of this,” September told SABC Sport.
“These complaints…have been received by CAF. They are being processed through the competent and judicial structures at CAF. That is one part that is being processed through the judicial process. Which we have to respect, because they are all independent.
September explained that the situation is still unfolding and largely out of their administrative control.
“And then there is the administrative side, which has to deal with the status quo as it is, and right now we are dealing with the status quo as it is.
“If and when we will be guided by what the judicial bodies do. When? I don’t know. How? I don’t know. What? I don’t know.
“It is an independent process that is happening. We respect and create this wall between the administrative side and the judicial bodies that exist.
“So we will cross that bridge when we get to it,” September added.
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WHEN IS THE START OF THE GROUP STAGE?
In the meantime, CAF have confirmed the provisional dates for the start of the group stages, with matchday one set for 21-23 November.
In 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns won on a walkover after AS Vita Club were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in their preliminary round tie against Mafunzo.
Should Orlando Pirates get reinstated, the Sea Robbers are likely to replace Saint-Eloi Lupopo in Group C alongside Sundowns, Al-Hilal (Sudan) and Rulani Mokwena’s Algerian giants MC Alger.