Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have been slammed with over R3 million in fines.
Here is the reason why.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come down like a hammer on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, dishing out combined fines exceeding R3 million and multiple suspensions following serious misconduct during recent CAF Champions League fixtures.
Sundowns hit with R1.88 million fine after violent scenes
CAF slapped Mamelodi Sundowns with a R1.88 million fine for severe security breaches during their 1-0 victory over Tunisian side Esperance at Loftus Versfeld on April 1.
What should have been a celebration turned ugly as violent clashes erupted between rival fans after the final whistle.
Bloodied shirts and bandaged supporters painted a chaotic scene.
Even though Esperance fans reportedly sparked the unrest, the violence spiraled, putting their safety at risk.
Officials had to keep Esperance supporters on the field until police arrived to escort them out safely.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged Sundowns to have breached Article 82 and 83.2 of the CAF Disciplinary Code as well as Articles 32 and 35 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations arising from its TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against Esperance [1 April, 2025],” reads the CAF ruling as quoted by FARPost.
CAF found Sundowns guilty and ordered them to cough up $100 000 (approximately R1.88 million), stressing that the club must enforce stricter safety measures in future matches.
CAF didn’t spare Esperance either.
They ruled the Tunisian side guilty of misconduct due to their fans’ actions during the same match and fined them a staggering $150 000 – roughly R2.8 million.
Pirates penalised R1.32 million over security failures
Orlando Pirates didn’t escape CAF’s wrath either.
Following their goalless draw against MC Alger on April 9 at Orlando Stadium, CAF fined the club $70 000 (about R1.32 million).
The breakdown was: R941 095 for “improper conduct” and R376 438 for failing to provide adequate stadium security.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged Orlando Pirates with misconduct and failure to organise adequate security in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger [9 April, 2025],” said CAF.
CAF didn’t stop at financial penalties.
They suspended Pirates official Ezekiel Matebula for four CAF matches, with two of those on hold pending a one-year probation.
Two players – defender Nkosinathi Sibisi and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine – received one-match suspensions, also suspended for one year.
“Their suspensions are suspended for one year, starting from the date of the present decision,” CAF clarified.
MC Alger slammed with empty stadiums, fines and suspensions
CAF also hammered MC Alger, enforcing a suspended sanction that forces the Algerian club to play their next two home CAF matches behind closed doors.
They also received multiple fines:
R188 219 for smoke bombs
R376 438 for laser pointers
R188 219 for throwing objects onto the field
The disciplinary board handed assistant coach Mohamed Khezrouni a four-match suspension and fined him R282 329.
Midfielder Abdelkader Oussama Menezla got a two-match ban (with one suspended), while the club itself took another blow with a R1.88 million fine for the “inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials.”
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged MC Alger with violating Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code as well as Articles 32 and 35 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against Orlando Pirates [1 April, 2025],” CAF concluded.
Are you okay with the punishment given out to all parties?
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