Mamelodi Sundowns have avoided FIFA fines following their Intercontinental Cup victory over Al Ahli, despite three players picking up cautions. The club's debut in the tournament saw Teboho Mokoena, Nuno Santos and Brayan Leon receive yellow cards, but the total fell short of the threshold for a team sanction.
FIFA's regulations state that a fine is imposed "in addition to the individual fines in case disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the referee on five or more players." With only three players booked, Sundowns escaped the additional penalty. The club's 2-1 win against Al Ahli Jeddah on 19 September, which sent them through to the Challenger Cup, was also played under Article 8 of the Intercontinental Cup rules.
Article 8 clarifies that "single yellow cards and pending suspensions that could not be served during the confederation’s competition are not carried over to the Intercontinental Cup 2026." This provision directly benefited Mokoena and Leon, ensuring their cautions do not carry over into the next stage of the competition. It also means the team can approach the upcoming Challenger Cup, where the winner faces Paris Saint-Germain in the final, with a clean disciplinary slate.
The news comes as Sundowns sit first in the Premier Soccer League with 20 points from eight games, holding a one-point lead over Orlando Pirates. Their recent form, including the 2-1 continental win where Nuno Santos scored both goals, remains strong. Top scorer Brayan Leon, with three goals this season, is part of a squad that can now focus fully on the next challenge. The avoidance of a fine removes a potential financial distraction as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
The report in full is at KickOff
