Renowned referee Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines, having been appointed to officiate the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. This high-profile match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns against AS FAR Rabat, taking place in Pretoria.

This new assignment, however, has ignited discussions, particularly given the Congolese official’s notable exclusion from the roster of African referees selected for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After officiating the CAN 2025 final, Ndala is now set to take charge of another major continental showdown, the CAF Champions League final, which will see Mamelodi Sundowns face off against AS FAR.

The first leg of the CAF Champions League final is scheduled for May 17, 2026. The highly anticipated match will kick off at 2 PM GMT at the Lotus Versfeld Stadium.