African Cup Winners' Cup holders, Kaizer Chiefs, have been expelled from this year's tournament.

The South African team did not turn up in Antananarivo for the second leg of their first round tie against Madagascan newcomers, US Transfoot.

Chiefs, who won the first leg by a comfortable four goal margin in Johannesburg, claim they were unable to secure flights to the Malagasy capital.

Madagascar has been the scene of political turmoil since December, after the presidential election proved inconclusive.

The airport in Antananarivo, the country's capital, has been closed several times, following political tension in the island country.

Travel problems

Kaizer Chiefs asked for a postponement, but it was not granted by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

In the past, Caf has been lenient to teams with travel problems on the African continent.

Erratic flight schedules and delays are frequently experienced by African teams, meeting various continental match commitments.

In March, the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Madagascar and Mauritius was moved from Antananarivo to Mauritius.

But it appears that Chiefs are been used to set a stern example to other clubs in continental competitions.

The ban means that Chiefs are excluded from African club competition for three years and will also be fined.