AS FAR demands immediate referee change for CAF Champions League final

The Moroccan club AS FAR has strongly opposed the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns, set to take place in two weeks.

Tensions are rising as the club questions the decision, citing concerns over Ndala’s controversial officiating in the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. AS FAR has formally requested his immediate replacement, raising doubts about the fairness of the upcoming match.

Why AS FAR rejects Jean-Jacques Ndala

The club’s objection stems from past incidents involving Ndala, including the 2025 AFCON final, where his decisions drew widespread criticism. Specifically, AS FAR points to:

• Failure to halt play after Senegalese players left the field on January 18, 2025.
• No disciplinary action taken against players upon their return, despite clear infractions.
• FIFA’s suspension of Ndala from the 2026 World Cup due to his performance in the same controversial match.

These concerns have prompted AS FAR to demand that the CAF reconsider its choice of referee to ensure a fair and transparent competition.

Impact on the upcoming final

Scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa, the first leg of the CAF Champions League final is now under scrutiny. AS FAR’s stance reflects broader unease in Moroccan football circles, where confidence in referee impartiality appears to be waning.

With the club’s appeal now in motion, the CAF faces pressure to address these concerns before the match kicks off.

By Daniel Mbami — Politics and Security