CAF faces backlash over referee choice for African Champions League final
The appointment of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Morocco’s AS FAR and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns has sparked intense debate.
This decision by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has drawn widespread criticism, particularly following Ndala’s controversial performance in the tumultuous 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The match, held in Rabat on January 18, 2025, was marred by allegations of poor refereeing decisions that led to Morocco being awarded a forfeit victory through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
Moroccan club challenges referee’s appointment
AS FAR has formally contested Ndala’s selection, submitting an official complaint to CAF regarding the perceived imbalance in referee assignments between the two legs of the final. The Moroccan club argues that the first leg in Pretoria (scheduled for May 17) will be officiated by a predominantly homogeneous refereeing team centered around Ndala, while the return match in Rabat (May 24) will feature a more diverse international panel.
In their correspondence, AS FAR also highlighted Ndala’s recent track record, pointing to his handling of the 2025 AFCON final as evidence of his unsuitability for such a high-stakes fixture. The club contends that his failure to enforce regulations properly during that match directly led to their forfeited victory, reinforcing their position that his appointment is unjust.
broader implications for African football
The controversy extends beyond AS FAR’s objections, with reports suggesting that Mamelodi Sundowns has also raised concerns about Ndala’s inclusion. The unfolding situation presents a fresh challenge for CAF, which must now navigate the fallout from this contentious decision while ensuring fairness in one of Africa’s most prestigious club competitions.
As the governing body prepares to address the complaints, the spotlight remains firmly on Ndala and the integrity of the refereeing process in African football.
