Controversy over referee choice in caf champions league final

When the Confederation of African Football (CAF) named 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, it sparked immediate backlash. Ndala, who also refereed the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, has become a focal point of debate over officiating standards in African football.

The showdown is set to take place in Pretoria on May 17, but the Moroccan club has already lodged an official complaint with CAF. In a strongly worded letter, AS FAR raised concerns about the perceived imbalance in referee assignments for the two legs of the final.

CAF faces another arbitration controversy

The Moroccan side argues that the first leg will be overseen by a predominantly Congolese officiating team, while the return match in Rabat on May 24 is expected to feature a more diverse panel. This perceived lack of neutrality has fueled criticism, particularly as Ndala was notably excluded from the list of African referees selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

AS FAR questions Ndala’s officiating record

Beyond procedural concerns, AS FAR has openly criticized Ndala’s handling of the 2025 AFCON final, which led to a rare intervention by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Moroccan Football Federation successfully appealed a decision that had initially favored Senegal, resulting in Morocco being awarded the match by forfeit under articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations. The CAS is now reviewing the case, adding further uncertainty to the refereeing dispute.

Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that even Mamelodi Sundowns have privately expressed reservations about Ndala’s appointment. With both finalists now questioning the fairness of the officiating, the CAF finds itself under intense scrutiny as it prepares to oversee one of Africa’s most high-profile football showdowns.