Morocco’s AS FAR Football Club has strongly opposed the Confederation of African Football’s decision to appoint Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the upcoming CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
With the first leg of the final scheduled in Pretoria, South Africa on May 17, tensions are rising over the choice of official. The Moroccan side, making its return to a continental final after 41 years, has formally raised concerns with the CAF about Ndala’s controversial officiating record.
Demanding an immediate replacement
The club from Rabat has questioned Ndala’s fitness to oversee the match, citing his handling of the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. Key incidents included the failure to halt play after Senegal walked off the field on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, as well as the absence of yellow cards for returning players, raising serious doubts about his decision-making.
The AS FAR has also highlighted that Ndala was removed from the FIFA World Cup 2026 officiating pool due to his role in the 2025 AFCON final, further fueling their demand for his immediate replacement.
The club’s stance underscores broader frustrations across Moroccan football, where confidence in Ndala’s ability to manage high-stakes matches remains severely undermined.