The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ignited controversy by appointing 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. The decision, announced for the Pretoria match on May 17, has sparked widespread debate, particularly given Ndala’s contentious role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final.

The CAF’s choice is seen by many as a bold move to highlight the upcoming showdown, but it has backfired spectacularly. Ndala, already under scrutiny for his performance in the January 2025 CAN final in Rabat, has been accused of failing to enforce regulations properly—a failure that led to Morocco being awarded a walkover victory by the Appeals Jury under articles 82 and 84 of the tournament’s rules. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) is now reviewing the case filed by Senegal, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

AS FAR formally challenges Ndala’s appointment

The Moroccan club has taken its concerns to the CAF, submitting an official complaint that highlights several key issues. One of the primary grievances is the perceived imbalance in referee appointments between the two legs of the final. While the first leg in Pretoria will feature a predominantly homogenous officiating team centered around Ndala, the return match in Rabat on May 24 is expected to have a far more diverse referee lineup. The AS FAR argues that this disparity undermines the fairness and neutrality of the competition.

Ndala’s track record under fire

The controversy surrounding Ndala’s appointment is further fueled by his recent performance in the CAN final, which remains a sore point for many stakeholders. Critics argue that his handling of the match did not align with the CAF’s own regulations, leading to the Moroccan team’s victory by default. The AS FAR has seized on this issue, citing Ndala’s alleged failure to apply the rules as a critical flaw in his selection. Adding to the tension, reports suggest that even Mamelodi Sundowns have raised objections to Ndala’s appointment, though the specifics of their concerns remain unclear.

With the CAF now facing a fresh dispute, the organization must navigate this delicate situation carefully to maintain the integrity of the tournament and uphold its reputation for fair play.