CAF keeps faith in Jean Ndala despite controversy ahead of Champions League final

The Confederation of African Football has decided to maintain referee Jean Ndala as the official for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final despite recent controversy surrounding the appointment.

According to reports from journalist Micky Jnr, CAF reviewed complaints linked to the officiating arrangements before confirming that no changes would be made to the refereeing team for the match in Pretoria.

The first leg of the continental final is scheduled to take place on May 17 at 2:00 PM GMT at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in South Africa.

CAF’s decision ends speculation that the governing body could reshuffle the officiating crew ahead of one of the biggest fixtures in African club football.

CAF rejects complaints over officiating

Questions surrounding the refereeing team emerged in recent days following controversy linked to the appointment of Jean Ndala for the final.

The discussions created uncertainty over whether CAF would reconsider its original decision and appoint another official for the match.

However, the African football governing body ultimately chose to maintain confidence in the referee and his assistants after reviewing all submitted complaints.

According to the reported information, CAF carefully examined the appeals before rejecting them.

The decision signals that the organisation remains satisfied with the integrity of its refereeing selection process and sees no reason to alter the arrangements already put in place.

By keeping the original officiating team, CAF has also attempted to bring stability ahead of a highly anticipated encounter that is expected to attract attention across the continent.

Jean Ndala retains major responsibility

CAF’s confirmation means Jean Ndala will remain responsible for officiating the opening leg of the final in Pretoria.

The referee now faces the task of managing one of the most significant matches of the African club football season under intense scrutiny.

Champions League finals are traditionally among the most demanding fixtures for referees because of the pressure, atmosphere and expectations surrounding the games.

The latest developments mean that additional focus will now be placed on the officiating performance during the match itself.

Despite the controversy, CAF’s decision demonstrates continued trust in Ndala’s ability to handle the occasion.

The organisation’s stance also suggests confidence in the overall refereeing structure selected for the final.

Speculation brought to an end

In recent days, rumours of a possible change to the officiating crew had circulated widely following criticism linked to the appointment.

CAF’s latest move has now brought clarity to the situation before the first leg takes place.

The governing body’s decision effectively closes the debate surrounding whether a replacement referee could be introduced at short notice.

For both clubs involved in the final, the confirmation allows preparations to continue without uncertainty regarding the officiating arrangements.

Attention can now fully return to the football itself as teams prepare for the opening chapter of the continental final.

Pretoria prepares for major final

The first leg of the CAF Champions League final will be staged in Pretoria on May 17, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 PM GMT.

The match is expected to rank among the most closely watched fixtures of the African football calendar this season.

CAF’s decision to maintain the original refereeing appointments ensures that organisational preparations remain unchanged ahead of the game.

Jean Ndala and his assistants are therefore set to officiate the encounter as originally planned.

The pressure surrounding the fixture is likely to remain intense given the importance of the final and the discussions that have already surrounded the officiating team.

Focus shifts back to the pitch

With CAF confirming its position, the focus now shifts away from administrative debate and back toward the sporting contest itself.

Both clubs can now prepare knowing that the refereeing team for the first leg has officially been finalised.

For CAF, the decision represents a clear message that the governing body stands by its appointments despite external pressure and criticism.

The spotlight will now move to Pretoria, where one of the season’s most important African club matches is set to unfold under the supervision of Jean Ndala and his team.