The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a significant sanction on Mamelodi Sundowns — the very club owned by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, in an unprecedented move that has sent ripples through the corridors of African football power.
The $100,000 fine follows violent incidents in the stands during a Champions League quarter-final match, casting a spotlight on governance and accountability at the highest level of the sport on the continent.
“It’s a decision that unsettles the very structure of CAF,” wrote journalist Maceo Ouitona, as the organisation, led by Motsepe since 2021, confronts an uncomfortable truth — no one is above the rulebook.
The disciplinary action stems from events on April 1, 2025, when Sundowns faced Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis in Pretoria.
Though the South African side secured a 1-0 victory, tensions off the pitch stole the spotlight.
Clashes erupted between supporters, revealing serious breaches in crowd control and safety protocols at the venue.
The CAF disciplinary board, operating independently, found Mamelodi Sundowns in violation of several key articles — specifically Articles 82, 83.2, 32 and 35 — of the CAF Disciplinary Code and Security Regulations.
The fine is not only severe in monetary terms, but symbolically significant: never before has CAF punished a club so directly tied to its sitting president.
Though the ruling was handed down independently, questions are now swirling about the consistency and impartiality of CAF’s governance. Motsepe, also a FIFA vice president, was recently re-elected unopposed.
This development, however, places him under renewed scrutiny — a reminder that transparency must be more than a talking point in African football leadership.
CAF has emphasized that Sundowns must implement all required security measures in upcoming competitions, especially with the club preparing to represent Africa on a global stage.
Espérance de Tunis has also faced CAF’s disciplinary wrath.
Found culpable for the unruly behaviour of their own supporters during the same match, the Tunisian giants were fined a steeper $150,000 — the highest penalty in this disciplinary cycle.
The punishment was justified under Articles 82 and 83, citing the active involvement of Espérance fans in the chaotic scenes.
Ironically, both clubs are now set to appear at the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, to be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
Mamelodi Sundowns will face the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, and Fluminense in cities including Orlando, Cincinnati, and Miami.
Espérance, meanwhile, are slated to meet global heavyweights Chelsea and Flamengo in Philadelphia and Nashville.
The timing of these sanctions, just weeks before the world’s eyes turn to the U.S., is a stark warning.
Prestige comes with responsibility — and, as this case proves, even the highest seats of power are not immune to the rules of the game.
Source: afrik
