The Moroccan football club, AS FAR, has voiced strong disapproval regarding the selection of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

With the first leg of the CAF Champions League final scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa, just two weeks away, discussions surrounding the referee’s appointment are intensifying. The designation of Jean-Jacques Ndala has reportedly caused significant discontent across Morocco.

After a 41-year hiatus from the final, AS FAR has formally communicated its concerns to the CAF regarding the Congolese official’s nomination. The club highlights Ndala’s controversial handling of the CAN 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal as a primary reason for their apprehension.

AS FAR demands immediate replacement of Jean-Jacques Ndala

The Rabat-based club specifically referenced the referee’s decisions during the January 18 match at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, particularly his failure to halt the game after the Senegalese team withdrew from the field, and the subsequent lack of yellow cards for players upon their return.

Furthermore, AS FAR expressed bewilderment over Ndala’s appointment, noting that the 38-year-old official was reportedly excluded by FIFA from the 2026 World Cup due to his performance in that very CAN 2025 final. The club is unequivocally requesting the immediate substitution of the referee.