FAR Rabat protest against referee Ndala appointment for Champions League final

Moroccan giants AS FAR  have officially expressed concern over the appointment of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

In a highly competitive clash on Sunday, May 17, the Morocco powerhouse will travel to face the South African heavyweights.

Prior to match, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has settled on Ndala, who officiated the infamous AFCON 2025 final to take charge of the Champions League final first leg.

However, FAR Rabat are said to have submitted a formally lodged a protest against the appointment of the DR Congo top referee, question the decision to handle such high-profile game to him.

Per reports, FAR Rabat’s management is uneasy about the appointment due to previous controversies surrounding the referee’s performances in major continental matches, particularly during a CAF Africa Cup of Nations final involving Morocco and Senegal.

Concerns reportedly intensified following claims of contentious decisions in that match, with Moroccan observers arguing that key calls were mishandled, including a disputed incident involving a temporary withdrawal of the Senegalese team before play resumed.

Ndala was not selected among referees expected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a development it links to criticism he has faced following performances at recent CAF tournaments, including the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

CAF has assigned a full refereeing team for the first leg, with Ndala as centre referee, assisted by Julien Njila as first assistant referee and Gradel Munia as second assistant referee. Jesse Mwesi will serve as the fourth official.

AS FAR’s complaint highlights growing tension ahead of the final, with the Moroccan side wary of officiating decisions in what is expected to be a tightly contested showdown against the reigning continental powerhouses, Sundowns.

The Royal Army Club secured their place in the final after eliminating Moroccan rivals Renaissance Berkane 2-1 on aggregate. They won the first leg 2-0 before narrowly losing the return fixture, enough to book their ticket to the continent’s biggest club final.

As anticipation builds for the May 17 showdown, the focus has now partially shifted from tactics on the pitch to concerns over officiating, adding another layer of intrigue to an already highly charged CAF Champions League final.