The CAF has sparked significant debate following the selection of the officiating crew for the upcoming CAF Champions League final between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns. By appointing Jean-Jacques Ndala from the Democratic Republic of Congo to lead the first leg on May 17 in Pretoria, the continental governing body has reignited tensions surrounding the referee’s recent performance in the 2025 AFCON final. This decision has caused a stir across social media and within the management of the Moroccan club.
Official complaint filed with CAF
According to reports from Le 360, the Moroccan side has formally expressed its dissatisfaction to the CAF regarding this nomination. In an official letter, the Rabat-based team raised concerns about the lack of balance in the officiating teams assigned to the two legs. They pointed out that while the first leg features a crew with little national diversity under Jean-Jacques Ndala—who was notably excluded from the list of African referees for the 2026 World Cup—the return leg scheduled for May 24 in Rabat will be overseen by a much more diverse group of officials.
The shadow of the AFCON final
The primary grievance presented by AS FAR involves Jean-Jacques Ndala‘s controversial handling of the 2025 AFCON final. The club argues that his failure to strictly apply the rules during that match should disqualify him from such a high-profile fixture. This legal perspective aligns with a previous ruling where the Appeals Jury awarded Maroc a victory by forfeit based on specific tournament regulations. While that case involving Sénégal is currently pending a final decision from the CAS, the CAF now faces a new administrative challenge. Reports from Sport News Africa suggest that Mamelodi Sundowns may also be contesting the choice of the Congolese referee.
