Controversial referee choice for CAF champions league final between Morocco and South Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sparked intense debate 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, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria. Ndala, who also refereed the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, has become a lightning rod for criticism, with the Moroccan club questioning the legitimacy of his selection.

The CAF’s decision to entrust Ndala with the crucial match has drawn sharp reactions across social media and beyond. The Moroccan side, AS FAR, has filed an official complaint with the African football governing body, citing concerns over the perceived lack of fairness and consistency in referee appointments between the two legs of the final. While the first leg will feature a predominantly Congolese officiating trio, the return match in Rabat on May 24 is expected to include a more diverse panel of referees.

AS FAR challenges CAF’s referee appointment

In a formal correspondence to CAF, AS FAR has highlighted what it describes as a fundamental imbalance in the referee selection process. The club argues that the concentration of officials from the same country for the first leg—particularly Ndala, whose recent performances have been widely scrutinized—contrasts sharply with the more varied lineup planned for the return match. This perceived disparity has intensified calls for transparency and fairness in officiating decisions.

Ndala’s controversial track record raises concerns

The Moroccan club has also pointed to Ndala’s contentious handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where his decisions were heavily disputed. The fallout from that match led to a dramatic ruling by the Appeals Jury, which awarded Morocco a forfeit victory under specific regulations. With the case now escalating to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), the pressure on CAF to reconsider its referee appointment has grown significantly.

Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that even Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African finalists, may share reservations about Ndala’s inclusion. With the CAF now facing mounting scrutiny, the decision to appoint Ndala has become yet another contentious issue in African football, raising questions about the integrity of the continent’s most prestigious club competition.