A dramatic twist has now been confirmed in the case of former PSL coach Luc Eymael after he was handed a six-month ban for allegedly making racist remarks in the DR Congo.
The former Polokwane City boss was handed a six-month ban and a $2,000 (R36 million) fine in November 2024 after he was alleged to have made racist and insulting remarks during a match between his side, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, and Blessing FC on 30 October.
Read: Ex-Downs star breaks silence on Bolivia return
The Belgian coach was accused of directing derogatory insults towards the Blessing FC goalkeeper and technical staff, as well as National Football League (Linafoot) officials.
Linafoot then sanctioned the 65-year-old, barring him from entering sports facilities for the duration of his ban.
Lupopo immediately denounced the decision and formally announced that they would appeal Linafoot's suspension of their head coach.
In a twist of events, it has now been confirmed that Eymael's ban has been lifted following the appeal. Furthermore, it has also been announced that the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) has opened an investigation into match commissioner Didier Lopito and the main referee, Patrick Ilunga Ngoy.
An official statement published on Lupopo's official X account confirmed: "Luc Eymael will be back on the bench for Football Club St Eloi Lupopo's 12th matchday fixture against Cercle Sportif Don Bosco on Sunday, 16 February 2025, at Kibassa Maliba Stadium.
"The Belgian coach, who had been suspended for six months following the scuffles that broke out after the match against FC Blessing de Kolwezi, took his case to FECOFA. The governing body's Normalisation Committee (CONOR) decided to overturn the sanction previously imposed by the Linafoot disciplinary commission. This includes the cancellation of both his suspension and the financial fine, following a review of his arguments.
"Meanwhile, match commissioner Didier Lopito and referee Patrick Ilunga Ngoy have been referred to the disciplinary commission for submitting false reports regarding the incident."
Read: Real Madrid star 'facing' five years behind bars
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
Follow him here on X