CAF champions league final referee: who will officiate in Maroc–South Africa clash

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially named Jean-Jacques Ndala, a referee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, to oversee the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR. The high-stakes match is scheduled for 17 May at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

At 38 years old, Ndala brings significant experience to the fixture. His most recent high-profile assignment was the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco, a match that sparked widespread debate due to contentious decisions. Despite criticism, the CAF has reaffirmed their confidence in his officiating, selecting him for key continental competitions in the months since.

Key details for the CAF Champions League final

The opener of the two-legged final will take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the home ground of Mamelodi Sundowns. The return leg is set for 24 May in Rabat, Morocco. This pairing marks a repeat of the AFCON final, where Ndala’s decisions led to a Senegalese protest and a delayed resumption of play.

Since that AFCON final, Ndala has continued to be entrusted with pivotal matches. On 5 February, he officiated the CAF Champions League group-stage clash between Young Africans and JS Kabylie. He then took charge of a CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final on 14 March, featuring Al-Masry and CR Belouizdad.

Controversial decisions in the AFCON 2025 final

Ndala’s refereeing in the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat remains a talking point. Early in the second half, he disallowed a seemingly valid goal for Senegal after blowing the whistle prematurely, preventing the use of VAR. Shortly after, he awarded a penalty to Morocco following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz.

The Senegalese bench reacted strongly, with players temporarily leaving the pitch in protest. The game resumed after several minutes, and Senegal eventually won 1–0 after extra time. However, the outcome was later revised by the CAF in March 2026, awarding Morocco a 3–0 technical victory due to the Senegalese team’s walkout, which was deemed a breach of competition rules.

CAF stands by Ndala despite scrutiny

Despite the backlash, the CAF continues to place Ndala in charge of major continental fixtures. Under the International Football Association Board (IFAB) regulations, referee decisions are final and cannot be challenged during or after a match. The first leg of the CAF Champions League final will kick off on 17 May in Pretoria, followed by the second leg on 24 May in Rabat.