The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a wave of disciplinary sanctions against several top clubs participating in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, following a string of incidents earlier this month.
The CAF Disciplinary Board convened on 16 April to review reports stemming from the quarter-finals of both continental tournaments.
The verdict: a series of heavy fines and closed-door match orders for clubs that violated safety protocols and failed to control fan behaviour.
Morocco’s AS FAR has been fined $20,000 and given a one-match behind-closed-doors penalty, suspended for one year.
This follows the use of laser pointers and inadequate security during their return leg against Egypt’s Pyramids FC on 8 April.
The Egyptian club was also penalised with a $15,000 fine for ticketing mismanagement during the first leg held on 1 April.
Esperance de Tunis received one of the heaviest penalties, slapped with a $150,000 fine for fan misconduct.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will pay $100,000 due to failures in implementing safety measures.
MC Alger faces a stricter punishment: two home matches behind closed doors and a $50,000 fine.
In addition, the club’s assistant coach, Mohamed Khezrouni, has been suspended for four matches.
Orlando Pirates, also from South Africa, were fined $70,000, and one of their officials has received a suspension following disciplinary breaches.
Algerian sides CS Constantine and USM Alger have also been sanctioned for the use of flares and multiple security violations.
CAF’s actions send a clear message: the governing body is committed to upholding discipline and ensuring the safety of players, staff, and fans across its premier competitions.
Source: apanews
