Controversy Surrounds CAF Champions League Referee Appointment
The upcoming CAF Champions League final between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns has sparked debate following the announcement of the match officials. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who officiated the turbulent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, has been selected to referee the first leg scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, drawing immediate criticism from the Moroccan club.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) intended to highlight the high-profile encounter, yet the choice of Ndala—already under fire for his performance in the controversial CAN 2025 final—has intensified scrutiny. Social media and football stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the fairness of his appointment.
AS FAR Files Formal Complaint with CAF
In an official letter to CAF, AS FAR raised concerns about the imbalance in referee assignments for the two legs of the final. The club pointed out that the first leg, overseen by Ndala, features a predominantly homogenous officiating team, whereas the return match in Rabat on May 24 will have a more diverse panel of match officials. This discrepancy has fueled allegations of bias.
Ndala’s Controversial Past Under Scrutiny
The club’s strongest objection revolves around Ndala’s recent officiating record, particularly his handling of the CAN 2025 final. AS FAR argues that his failure to enforce regulations properly led to a forfeit victory for Morocco via articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s rules after a Senegalese appeal. The matter is now under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Reports from Sport News Africa suggest that even Mamelodi Sundowns may share reservations about Ndala’s appointment, though the club has not issued an official statement. With CAF now facing pressure from multiple fronts, the legitimacy of the referee’s selection remains a contentious issue ahead of the final.
