CAF Fines Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for Disciplinary and Security Breaches
Mamelodi Sundowns has been handed a $100,000 fine by the CAF Disciplinary Board for violating Articles 82 and 83.2 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, along with Articles 32 and 35 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations. The penalty follows incidents that occurred during their Total Energies CAF Champions League match against Esperance on April 1, 2025 at Loftus Versveld.
The violations are believed to involve crowd disturbances during the game, which led Sundowns to issue an apology to Esperance and its supporters. In response to ongoing concerns with fan behavior, CAF has increased efforts to manage supporter conduct by deploying fan club officials to liaise with fans and enhancing security protocols.
In addition to Sundowns, other teams have received sanctions for related offenses. Esperance Sportive de Tunis, for example, was fined $150,000 for misconduct and breaching Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code due to improper actions by their fans.
At the same time, Orlando Pirates have been fined a total of $70,000 by CAF—$50,000 for general misconduct and an additional $20,000 for failing to provide sufficient security during their match against MC Alger.
Players Sipho Chaine and Nkosinathi Sibisi have each received a one-match suspension, while club official Ezekiel Matebula has been handed a four-match ban.
Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are set to host their first-leg CAF Champions League semi-final matches at home, facing Al Ahly and Pyramids FC, respectively on Saturday, 19 April 2025..
The CAF Disciplinary Board has also charged ASFAR (Morocco) with misconduct, including violations of Articles 17.1 and 17.5 of the CAF Regulations, inadequate security arrangements, and the use of laser pointers during their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League match against Pyramids FC on April 8, 2025.
Following a review, ASFAR was found guilty and received a one-match behind-closed-doors sanction, which has been suspended for one year. In addition, ASFAR was fined USD 20,000.