FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo respond to 'malicious, unfounded, slanderous' allegations of mistreating Orlando Pirates in CAF Champions League match, threaten to take legal action

Popular radio personality DJ Tbo Touch has alleged that Orlando Pirates were mistreated by FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo when they visited the Congolese side for last weekend's CAF Champions League second preliminary round, first leg match.

Tbo Touch claimed that the Buccaneers took to the pitch on empty stomachs, while also in fear of landmines being planted in the pitch on a scorching afternoon in Lubumbashi.

However, the Railmen have hit back, vehemently denying the allegations.

"Lupopo categorically denies the unfounded allegations of mistreatment towards our Champions League opponent," the Lubumbashi side said in a statement.

 "Following the defamatory allegations circulating in certain media outlets and on social media, Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo wishes to firmly and categorically deny the accusations that it deliberately provided deplorable logistical conditions to the South Africans of Orlando Pirates Football Club during their recent stay in Lubumbashi. 

"These accusations are completely unfounded, slanderous, and seriously undermine the reputation of our club and the values of respect and fair play that are dear to us. Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo has always complied with the rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the highest standards of hospitality when hosting its opponents," they added. 

"As part of this Champions League match, we have implemented all necessary arrangements to ensure a professional welcome for the Orlando Pirates Football Club team, including hotel, transport and training facilities."

Coincidentally, the allegations against Lupopo come at a time when Chiefs were complaining that some of their players had diarrhoea and were vomiting while in the DR Congo last weekend to face AS Simba in CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, first leg match. 

"The club, in addition to deploring the malicious insinuations made to discredit a legitimate victory on the pitch, categorically denies the unfounded allegation that Orlando Pirates Football Club scored three goals that were subsequently disallowed," said Lupopo. 

"This information is completely false and in no way reflects the reality of the events observed on the pitch. We deeply regret that this false information, whose sole purpose appears to be to destabilise our club, has been relayed. 

"The club reserves the right to take legal action against the perpetrators of these defamatory allegations in order to protect its image and interests. Saint Eloi Lupopo Football Club remains focused on its sporting objectives and on preparing for its upcoming matches."

Lupopo are already in Johannesburg for the second leg of this second preliminary round.

They will be seeking to protect their commanding lead over the Buccaneers.