Caf comes down hard on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for security lapses in Caf Champions League matches

Skirmishes were recently witnessed when Orlando Pirates hosted MC Alger in a Caf Champions League match at Orlando Stadium.

The Buccaneers players and officials clashed with their MC Alger counterparts, prompting Caf to fine both teams.

Also recently, Mamelodi Sundowns fans clashed with visiting Esperance supporters at Loftus Versfeld, and Caf has acted on the two clubs as well.

"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 in a statement.

"The Caf Disciplinary Board found Club Official, Ezekiel Matebula, guilty and imposed a ban of four (4) matches, of which two (2) matches are suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of this decision.

"Orlando Pirates players,  Sipho Chaine and Nkosinathi Sibisi, were also found guilty and suspended for one (1) match for improper conduct. Their suspensions are suspended for one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.

"Orlando Pirates were fined USD50,000 for the improper conduct of their team and a further USD20,000 for the failure to ensure adequate security."

"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 announced.

"The club was found guilty. The guilty verdict forces the execution of the suspended disciplinary sanction pronounced by the Disciplinary Panel on 24 November 2024, namely the obligation to play two (2) matches behind closed doors during its next matches of the Caf club competition, in which Club MC Alger (Algeria) will play as the host club.

"MC Alger also received a fine of USD 10,000 for the lighting of smoke bombs and a further USD 20,000 for the use of laser pointers. Lastly, a fine of USD10,000 has been imposed for the throwing of objects," added Caf.

"In a separate judgement arising from the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League fixture against Orlando Pirates (9 April, 2025), the Caf Disciplinary Board suspended Mr. Mohamed Khezrouni, assistant coach of MC Alger, for four (4) matches, for violating articles 82 and 123 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. A fine of USD 15,000 has also been imposed on Mr. Khazeroun

"Abdelkader Oussama Menezla, MC Alger player, was suspended for two (2) matches, including one (1) suspended match for one year. A fine of USD 100,000 has been imposed for the inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials."

"The Caf Disciplinary Board charged Mamelodi 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]," the continental mother body added.

"The Club was found guilty and ordered to pay a fine of USD100,000 and is required to strictly implement the safety and security measures specified in the Caf regulations, guidelines and directives, particularly in their upcoming matches."

Caf also announced their penalty on Esperance.

"The Caf Disciplinary Board charged Esperance Sportive de Tunis with misconduct and breaching Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for the inappropriate behaviour of its supporters in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns [1 April, 2025]," announced Caf.

"The Disciplinary Board found Espérance Sportive de Tunis guilty and imposed a fine of USD 150,000."

The two South African traditional giants will be hoping Caf's action on them will not affect them on the pitch.

They are now at a stage of the Champions League where they would be trying to avoid carrying burdens and fully focus on the bids to reach the final.

Pirates now prepare to host Egyptian moneybags Pyramids in a semi-final, first leg match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

On the same day, Sundowns welcome defending champions Al Ahly at Loftus Versfeld on a day when two Egyptian trams would be in Gauteng.