AS FAR challenges CAF over referee choice for champions league final

The Rabat-based football club, AS FAR, has voiced strong opposition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the upcoming first-leg final of the CAF Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns.

With the match scheduled for 17 May in Pretoria, South Africa, tensions are escalating as concerns grow over Ndala’s officiating record. The club has formally requested the CAF to replace the Congolese referee, citing his controversial performance in the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

In a statement, AS FAR highlighted multiple instances of questionable decisions made by Ndala, including his failure to award yellow cards to players involved in incidents after Senegal temporarily left the field on 18 January 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Why AS FAR demands an immediate change

The Moroccan club’s objections stem from several key concerns:

• Controversial decisions in high-stakes matches: Ndala’s handling of the 2025 AFCON final drew widespread criticism, particularly his refusal to penalize players despite clear misconduct.
• FIFA’s exclusion: The global football governing body recently barred Ndala from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further fueling doubts about his suitability for elite competitions.
• Perceived bias or inconsistency: AS FAR’s leadership has expressed reservations about Ndala’s ability to manage pivotal moments in the upcoming final, urging the CAF to reconsider his appointment.

The club has called for the referee’s immediate replacement, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency in the competition.

CAF’s decision and the road ahead

Despite the backlash, the CAF has yet to respond to AS FAR’s demands. The first leg of the final, where Ndala is set to officiate, remains on track for 17 May. Fans and pundits alike are closely monitoring the situation, with many questioning whether the CAF will take action to address the concerns raised.

As the tension builds, all eyes are on the CAF to ensure that the integrity of the tournament remains intact. The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of African football’s premier club competition.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst