Pirates Penalized R1.3 Million: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied a fine of R1.3 million against Orlando Pirates due to misconduct and inadequate security during their match with Algerian side MC Alger at Orlando Stadium.
Orlando Pirates now faces a financial penalty of R1.3 million following a breach of CAF regulations during their CAF Champions League match against MC Alger on April 9 at Orlando Stadium.
A statement from CAF indicates that, “The CAF Disciplinary Board has charged Orlando Pirates with misconduct and failure to provide sufficient security at the CAF Champions League match against MC Alger on April 9, 2025.”
The statement further details that “Club Official Ezekiel Matebula was found guilty and has received a four-match suspension, with two of those matches suspended for a one-year probation period commencing from the date of this decision.”
Moreover, players Sipho Chaine and Nkosinathi Sibisi from Orlando Pirates were also deemed guilty of improper conduct, leading to a one-match suspension, which is similarly deferred for one year from the date of the ruling.
The fine’s composition includes USD 50,000 (approximately R940,000) for the team’s misconduct and an additional USD 20,000 (around R376,000) for failing to implement adequate security measures.
Conversely, MC Alger has also been penalized, facing fines amounting to USD 155,000 (approximately R2.9 million) for contravening CAF regulations during their two matches against Orlando Pirates.
CAF stated, “MC Alger has been charged with violations of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, along with Articles 32 and 35 of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations in their match against Orlando Pirates on April 1, 2025.”
As a result of the ruling, MC Alger must fulfill a previously suspended disciplinary sanction, which requires them to play two upcoming CAF club competition matches behind closed doors as the home team.
In addition, MC Alger has incurred fines of USD 10,000 for igniting smoke bombs, USD 20,000 for the use of laser pointers, and another USD 10,000 for throwing objects.
In a separate ruling concerning the match against Orlando Pirates on April 9, 2025, the CAF Disciplinary Board suspended assistant coach Mr. Mohamed Khezrouni of MC Alger for four matches due to violations of Articles 82 and 123 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, and he has also been fined USD 15,000.
Additionally, player Abdelkader Oussama Menezla of MC Alger has been suspended for two matches, with one match suspended for one year.
In total, a fine of USD 100,000 has been imposed for the inappropriate conduct of the club’s players and officials.
