Mamelodi Sundowns lodge complaints over CAF Champions League final referee

Tensions have emerged within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after both finalists raised concerns over the appointment of a match official for the upcoming continental showdown.

Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR Rabat have formally protested CAF’s decision to assign Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate the first leg of the CAF Champions League final.

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to take place on May 17 in Pretoria, with both clubs reportedly submitting their complaints on Monday. According to El Botola, sources within CAF confirmed that the objections stem from Ndala’s controversial handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final between Morocco and Senegal.

That match, which ended in chaotic scenes, remains under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, raising concerns among the two clubs about the implications of appointing the same referee for a fixture of such magnitude.

Both Sundowns and AS FAR are said to believe that the decision could affect confidence in the integrity of the competition, particularly given the ongoing debate surrounding the official’s previous performance.

CAF’s refereeing committee had earlier confirmed the full officiating team, with Ndala set to be assisted by compatriots Juilien Ngila and Gradiel Munia, while Jesse Moise will serve as fourth official. Sudanese referee Ahmed Abdelaziz has been assigned VAR duties, supported by Ahmed Shelmani and Diana Chikotscha.

CAF also announced a scheduling adjustment for the first leg, moving the match from May 15 to May 17 following a request from Sundowns due to logistical challenges. Kick-off is set for 14:00 GMT.

The development adds another layer of intrigue ahead of the final, as both teams seek clarity over officiating decisions while preparing for one of African football’s biggest fixtures.