Controversy surrounds CAF champions league referee choice for Morocco-South Africa clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ignited discussions with its decision to appoint Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Morocco’s AS FAR and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria. Ndala, who officiated the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, now faces scrutiny once again, this time from AS FAR, the Moroccan club vying for the continental title.

CAF’s selection of Ndala, a figure whose recent performances have drawn widespread criticism, has not gone unchallenged. AS FAR has formally protested the appointment, citing concerns over fairness and impartiality. In an official letter to CAF, the Moroccan side highlighted a perceived imbalance in the referee teams assigned to each leg of the final. While the first leg in Pretoria will feature a predominantly homogenous trio around Ndala, the return match in Rabat on May 24 is expected to include a more diverse set of officials.

Ndala’s past decisions under scrutiny

The AS FAR’s objections extend beyond procedural concerns, focusing heavily on Ndala’s handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The club argues that his failure to enforce regulations during that match led to a ruling in favor of Morocco by default, based on articles 82 and 84 of the tournament’s rules. This contention was reinforced when the Appeals Jury declared Morocco the winner by forfeiture. Now, Senegal has escalated the matter by taking it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is set to deliberate on the case.

Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African finalists, may also oppose Ndala’s appointment. This development places CAF in a precarious position, as it navigates a high-stakes dispute over officiating just days before the final’s first leg kicks off. The outcome of this referee row could cast a long shadow over the prestige of the continent’s top club competition.

What’s next for the CAF Champions League final?

With both AS FAR and potentially Mamelodi Sundowns challenging the legitimacy of Ndala’s selection, CAF faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised. The governing body will need to carefully consider the protests while ensuring the integrity of the final remains intact. As the football world watches closely, the decisions made in the coming days could redefine the narrative of this year’s CAF Champions League and the role of refereeing in African football.