CAF to hold emergency meeting over refereeing row ahead of Champions League final first leg in Pretoria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to convene an urgent meeting following growing concerns raised by both Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR over the appointment of the match officials for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final.

The highly anticipated clash, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, has already been overshadowed by controversy after CAF confirmed Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala as the official to take charge of the encounter.

However, the decision has triggered strong backlash from both finalists. Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR have formally written to the Confederation of African Football expressing their dissatisfaction with the appointment, raising concerns about fairness and officiating integrity for such a high-stakes fixture.

According to sources, CAF has acknowledged the complaints from both clubs and is now preparing to review the situation at board level.

The emergency meeting is expected to determine whether Ndala will retain his role or if a replacement will be named ahead of the final.

Ndala’s appointment has not only drawn criticism from the participating teams but has also sparked wider debate within African football circles about refereeing standards in major continental competitions.

With tensions rising and the stakes at their highest, CAF’s decision in the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping the tone of the opening leg of the final — both on and off the pitch.