The first leg CAF Champions League qualifier between Orlando Pirates and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo has been overshadowed by off-field controversy, with the Congolese club issuing a fiery statement to categorically deny allegations of mistreating their South African representatives.
Pirates reportedly faced a number of logistical and operational issues during their trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the first leg, which Lupopo won 3-0.
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These claims prompted Lupopo to release a strong defense of their conduct.
Lupopo’s Firm Denial of Deplorable Conditions
In their statement, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo firmly dismissed the claims that they provided “deplorable logistical conditions” to Orlando Pirates during their stay in Lubumbashi.
“Following the defamatory allegations circulating in certain media outlets and on social media, Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo wishes to firmly and categorically deny the accusations that it deliberately provided deplorable logistical conditions to the South Africans of Orlando Pirates Football Club,” the club declared.
They labelled the accusations as “completely unfounded, slanderous, and seriously undermine the reputation” of the club, insisting they adhere to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules and the “highest standards of hospitality,” including providing professional arrangements for the hotel, transport, and training facilities.
Denying Disallowed Goals
The statement also addressed a separate, unfounded rumour that had circulated following the match: the allegation that Pirates had actually scored three goals that were subsequently disallowed.
Lupopo dismissed this entirely, stating, “This information is completely false and in no way reflects the reality of the events observed on the pitch.”
The club concluded by regretting the circulation of what they see as “malicious insinuations made to discredit a legitimate victory on the pitch” and threatened legal action to protect their image and interests.
The focus for Lupopo now remains on their sporting goals as they head into the decisive second-leg clash against Orlando Pirates, maintaining they are concentrating on their preparation amid the swirl of controversy.
Kick off at the Orlando Stadium is set for 15h00 later today.