Mamelodi Sundowns' first opponents in the new African Super League now face a possible elimination from the inaugural tournament before even kicking a ball.
The organisers of CAF's newest competition have confirmed that Petro de Luanda's participation at the event this year is now subject to an ongoing disciplinary probe.
?? Atletico petroleos de Luanda might be not participate this year in #AFL #CAF | #FIFA pic.twitter.com/r4l2pZa7VZ
— African Football League (@afl_africa) September 3, 2023
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The announcement comes after the club was handed a two-year suspension from football by the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) over allegations of corruption against the side.
According to BrytFM Online, the team is accused of making payments to another club, Academica do Lobito, in order to win a local cup last season.
Audio messages are said to have surfaced, seemingly confirming that payments had been received, with a sum of €3 368 (about R68 300) having allegedly been paid.
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An Academica player has also claimed to have received a bribe from Petro, who have since denied any wrongdoing and confirmed they would appeal the decision taken by FAF.
"We would like to emphasise that at no time has APL (Atletico Petroleo de Luanda) refused to co-operate with CD/FAF. And even everything has been done to fulfil your requests," a statement from the club read.
"Evidence of this is the mutual contacts between the two institutions, which attest to their willingness to co-operate."
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The African Football League draw took place on Saturday, 2 September, with Petro being drawn against South African giants Sundowns for the quarter-final stage, the first leg of which will take place on 21 October in Angola and the return fixture being scheduled to kick off on 24 October in Mzansi.
However, Petro's participation in the inaugural showpiece now hangs on an appeal they have filed with FAF over the allegations of corruption against them.
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