According to Caf regulations, any team that pulls out of a competition after entering gets an automatic three-year ban and a $2 000 fine.

Chiefs dropped down to the less lucrative Confederation Cup after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Tunisia side Esperance over the weekend.

"In a communication received from Kaizer Chiefs dated 25 April 2005, the club said that they will be unable to participate in the Caf Confederation Cup due to the congestion of their local fixtures," said Caf in a statement.

This means that Egyptian side Ismaili, coached by former Amakhosi mentor Muhsin Ertugral, will progress to the group stages of the Confederation Cup to be played between July 22 and 24.

But Chiefs will have to wait a while longer to learn their fate in the competition. The Confederation of African Football Inter-Club Committee will discuss Chiefs withdrawal during its meeting scheduled for 28 May at Caf headquarters in Cairo.