The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will issue its disciplinary ruling next week following the violent incidents that marred the conclusion of the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Pretoria.
Tensions flared at the final whistle of the match, which ended 1-0 in favour of the South African side. Hostilities erupted in the stands as supporters of both clubs clashed, leading to chaotic scenes that drew widespread condemnation.
CAF has since launched an official investigation into the disturbances, requesting written reports from both clubs outlining their respective accounts of the incident.
In a statement released this week, the African football governing body confirmed that it had received the required documentation and is now in the process of reviewing all the evidence.
However, it also stated that any decisions or sanctions stemming from the incident will only be announced after the return leg of the quarter-final, which is set to take place on Tuesday at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, Tunisia.
CAF’s decision to delay the ruling until after the second leg appears to be aimed at ensuring that the outcome of the tie on the pitch is not influenced by any off-field controversies. Nonetheless, disciplinary action remains a strong possibility, depending on the findings of the ongoing review.
The violent scenes in Pretoria have sparked concern within the football community, with many calling for tougher measures to curb such incidents in African competitions.
The clashes not only disrupted the post-match atmosphere but also raised questions about stadium security and fan control during high-stakes encounters in the tournament.
Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance, two of the continent’s most successful and well-supported clubs, have yet to publicly comment in detail on the events.
However, sources indicate that each side has provided CAF with its official version of the events and supporting evidence, including security footage and steward reports.
The first leg of the tie was intensely contested on the pitch, with Mamelodi Sundowns taking a narrow advantage into the second leg thanks to a solitary goal.
But the spotlight has now shifted from the players to the actions of supporters, and CAF’s forthcoming ruling could have significant implications, both in terms of fines and potential stadium bans.
As anticipation builds ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash in Tunisia, CAF is urging both sets of fans to conduct themselves responsibly, emphasising that the integrity and safety of the competition remain a top priority.
The outcome of the second leg will determine who advances to the semi-finals, but whatever the result, CAF’s ruling next week is expected to send a clear message about the importance of discipline, safety, and respect within African football.
