AS FAR challenges CAF over choice of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for champions league final

The Moroccan football club AS FAR has strongly opposed the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to appoint Jean-Jacques Ndala as the referee for the upcoming Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Growing discontent over referee selection ahead of high-stakes final

With just two weeks left until the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa, tensions are escalating over the choice of match officials. The Moroccan club, making its first final appearance in 41 years, has formally expressed serious concerns to CAF regarding the appointment of the Congolese referee.

Jean-Jacques Ndala has faced widespread criticism for his officiating during the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. The AS FAR has highlighted several questionable decisions from that match, including the failure to call a halt to play following the withdrawal of Senegalese players and the absence of yellow cards for misconduct upon their return.

Demand for immediate replacement of the referee

The Rabat-based club has also pointed out that Jean-Jacques Ndala was previously disqualified by FIFA from officiating at the 2026 World Cup due to his performance in the 2025 AFCON final. This has further fueled AS FAR’s demand for his immediate replacement in the upcoming Champions League showdown.

The club’s stance reflects broader unease in Moroccan football circles, where confidence in Ndala’s ability to handle a match of such magnitude remains low. The final’s outcome could be significantly influenced by the officiating, making the referee controversy a focal point of pre-match discussions.