Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has been chosen by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate the first leg of the African Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR. The match is scheduled for May 17 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
The 38-year-old official has been linked to controversy after his refereeing in the last Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco. Despite the criticism surrounding his decisions, CAF has reaffirmed its confidence in his abilities, as evidenced by his recent appointments in continental club competitions.
Pretoria hosts the opening clash of the Champions League final
The match will take place at the heart of Loftus Versfeld, home ground of Mamelodi Sundowns. The return leg is set for a week later in Rabat, Morocco. Ndala’s selection underscores the CAF’s trust in his experience for high-stakes encounters across Africa.
Recent appointments in major competitions
Since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ndala has continued to be entrusted with pivotal matches. He officiated the group-stage clash between Young Africans and JS Kabylie on February 5, followed by a CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal between Al-Masry and CR Belouizdad on March 14.
Controversial decisions in the Africa Cup of Nations final
Ndala’s name remains tied to the 2025 AFCON final played in Rabat. His decision to disallow a Senegal goal—after blowing the whistle prematurely before VAR could intervene—sparked immediate backlash. Moments later, a penalty was awarded to Morocco following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz.
The Senegalese team temporarily left the pitch in protest, leading to a brief match suspension. The game resumed, and Senegal won 1-0 after extra time. However, the outcome was later revised in March 2026, when the CAF awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing Senegal’s temporary walk-off as a breach of competition regulations.
CAF stands by its referee despite scrutiny
Despite the debates, CAF continues to assign Ndala to key continental fixtures. According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) regulations, referee decisions during a match are final and cannot be challenged on sporting grounds. The first leg of the Champions League final kicks off on May 17 in Pretoria, with the second leg scheduled for May 24 in Rabat.
