When the CAF announced Jean-Jacques Ndala as the referee for the first leg of the African Champions League final between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns, the decision sparked immediate controversy. Ndala, who officiated the chaotic 2025 AFCON final, is now at the center of a dispute following his selection for the highly anticipated match on May 17 in Pretoria.
Criticism has erupted across social media and beyond, with the Moroccan club AS FAR leading the charge. In an official letter to the CAF, the team raised serious concerns about the referee’s appointment, particularly regarding the imbalance in the officiating teams for the two legs. The first leg will feature a predominantly homogenous group of officials from the same national background as Ndala, while the return match in Rabat on May 24 will have a more diverse panel.
AS FAR’s formal complaint to the CAF
The Moroccan side has taken its grievances directly to the CAF, questioning the fairness of the refereeing setup. Their primary objection centers on Ndala’s recent track record, especially his handling of the 2025 AFCON final, which they argue was rife with regulatory failures. This incident led to Morocco being awarded a forfeit victory by the Appeals Jury under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations. Now, with the Senegalese Football Federation appealing to the CAS, the controversy is poised to escalate further.
Ndala’s refereeing reputation under scrutiny
Beyond the procedural complaints, Ndala’s credibility as a referee has come under intense scrutiny. His exclusion from the list of African officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup only adds to the skepticism surrounding his appointment. Even the opposing side, Mamelodi Sundowns, is reportedly uneasy with his involvement, further complicating the situation. As the CAF grapples with this latest refereeing controversy, the stakes for fair play in African football have never been higher.