Pirates coach Eric Tinkler revealed last week the club were waiting for clarification from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on whether they would take the place of winners Etoile du Sahel, who will be competing in the Champions League.
The competition winner is allowed to defend their title even if they do not qualify through the conventional League placing or cup success.
But a CAF official has told snl24.com/kickoff that even though Etoile will be playing in the elite competition this year, there will be no back-door entry for Pirates in their place.
“Only the title holder is allowed to defend his title. He cannot be replaced by the runner-up or any other team,” CAF media director Junior Binyam confirmed.
It means that only Bidvest Wits and Ajax Cape Town will represent South Africa in the Confederation Cup, with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns to compete in the Champions League.
The draw for both competitions is scheduled to take place in Cairo on Friday.
Pirates lost this year's Confederation Cup Final to Etoile 2-1 on aggregate, having reached their second continental final in three years.
They also lost the 2013 Champions League decider to Egyptian side Al-Ahly.