Controversy over caF referee in Morocco-Senegal clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sparked fresh debate by appointing Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate the first leg of the African Champions League final between Morocco’s AS FAR and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. Ndala, who also handled the contentious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, now faces pushback from both finalists over perceived biases in refereeing decisions.

The CAF’s choice to assign Ndala for the May 17 match in Pretoria—where the Moroccan side will host—has drawn sharp criticism, especially from AS FAR, which has formally lodged a complaint with the continental body. In an official letter, the club argues that the referee’s recent track record raises serious concerns about neutrality and consistency with the sport’s regulations.

AS FAR questions Ndala’s impartiality

AS FAR’s objections center on two key issues: the composition of the officiating trio and Ndala’s handling of the 2025 AFCON final. The Moroccan club points out that the first leg’s referee panel is heavily skewed toward officials from a single nationality, contrasting sharply with the more diverse selection planned for the return leg in Rabat on May 24. Such asymmetry, they argue, undermines the fairness of the competition.

The club further alleges that Ndala failed to enforce the tournament’s rules during the controversial AFCON final, a claim that directly contributed to Morocco’s victory by forfeit under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations. The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), which is now poised to review the case. Surprisingly, reports suggest that even Mamelodi Sundowns shares reservations about Ndala’s appointment, adding another layer of complexity to the dispute.

CAF under scrutiny amid referee controversy

The CAF now finds itself navigating a high-stakes controversy that threatens to overshadow the prestigious final. With both finalists—and potentially even the referee himself—questioning the integrity of the appointment, the continental body faces mounting pressure to address the allegations swiftly. As the May 17 kickoff approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on Ndala’s fitness to oversee a match of such magnitude, all while the CAF works to restore confidence in its officiating standards.