Moroccan giants AS FAR have strongly opposed the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the upcoming CAF Champions League final clash against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

With just two weeks remaining until the first leg of the final on May 17 in Pretoria, concerns are mounting over the selection of the 38-year-old official. The AS FAR management has formally raised objections with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), citing past controversies tied to Ndala’s officiating.

Ndala’s controversial decisions during the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal have sparked widespread criticism. Notably, he failed to award yellow cards to key players upon their return to the field, a decision that drew sharp rebuke. These incidents have led to Ndala being sidelined by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, raising further doubts about his suitability for high-stakes matches.

Call for an immediate replacement

The Rabat-based club has demanded Ndala’s immediate removal from the fixture, citing the potential for biased officiating and the risk of undermining the integrity of the competition. AS FAR officials have expressed deep unease over his inclusion, particularly given his recent exclusion from elite assignments.

In a statement to the media, a club spokesperson emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the final, stating, “The credibility of the tournament is at stake. We cannot afford another controversial officiating scenario.”