Masha is only under investigation at this stage and deemed innocent until proven guilty.

Sundowns host MC Alger, coached by their former tactician Rhulani Mokwena, in a must-win Group C clash in Pretoria, where a failure to secure victory will see them eliminated in the group stages for just the second time in 11 campaigns since they lifted the title in 2016.

Masha has been part of the Sundowns technical team since the days of Pitso Mosimane as head coach, which included working under Mosimane's successor Mokwena for several years. He joined the club in 2015.

The news came to light after a veiled comment from current coach Miguel Cardoso following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against St Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi.

“We hope that on the day of the match (against MC Alger) we have a full stadium to support the team, and nothing more. I hope the opponent doesn’t guess or know how we are going to play. I hope that is controlled so we can make it a fair game from our side,” Cardoso said.

Masha previously worked for New York Red Bulls as a youth coach, and also had a spell at Maritzburg United, who these days campaign as Durban City.

Sundowns have yet to officially comment on the matter.