CAF Champions League Final Marred by Referee Controversy

Key facts

• Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR Rabat will contest the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 final.
• The first leg is scheduled for May 17 in Tshwane, South Africa.
• The second leg will take place on May 24 in Rabat, Morocco.
• Both clubs have lodged official complaints with CAF regarding the appointed referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala.
• Ndala officiated the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
• The winners will receive a record USD 6 Million prize purse.
• Mamelodi Sundowns won the Champions League in 2016; AS FAR's last win was in 1985.

Continental Supremacy on the Line Amidst Dispute

The climax of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 season is set to be a dramatic confrontation between South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco's AS FAR. This two-legged affair, a battle for continental club football's most coveted prize, is already overshadowed by internal tensions within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The first leg is slated for Sunday, May 17, at 14:00 GMT in Tshwane, South Africa. The return fixture, which will decide the champion, is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at 19:00 GMT in Rabat, Morocco. This final pits two former continental champions against each other. Mamelodi Sundowns are aiming for their second title, having previously triumphed in 2016. AS FAR, conversely, are striving to end a 41-year drought, their sole victory in the competition dating back to 1985.

Referee Appointment Sparks Club Protests

A significant dispute has erupted over the appointment of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate the crucial first leg. Both Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR submitted formal complaints to CAF on Monday morning, expressing deep reservations about Ndala's selection. Sources within CAF have indicated to the Moroccan news outlet El Botola that the clubs specifically questioned Ndala's suitability, referencing his contentious role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. That match, contested between Morocco and Senegal, concluded in disarray and is currently under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The clubs have argued that placing Ndala in charge of such a high-stakes fixture risks eroding confidence in the competition's integrity, particularly given the unresolved controversy surrounding his officiating in a previous high-profile match in Rabat. The officiating team for the first leg also includes compatriots Juilien Ngila and Gradiel Munia as assistants, with Jesse Moise as the fourth official. VAR duties will be handled by Sudanese referee Ahmed Abdelaziz.

Logistical Shifts and Officiating Crew

The controversy surrounding the referee is not the only adjustment to the final's logistics. CAF also confirmed that the first leg match on Sunday, May 17, was rescheduled from the original date of Friday, May 15. This change was made at the request of Mamelodi Sundowns, who cited logistical difficulties requiring a 48-hour delay. This rescheduling had been anticipated, with internal CAF sources indicating last week that a postponement was under consideration. The full officiating and supervision team comprises numerous international officials, including personnel from Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Seychelles, DR Congo, and Senegal, overseeing various aspects from referee assessment to security. Ahmed Abdelaziz will be supported by Libya’s Ahmed Shelmani and Zambia’s Diana Chikotscha for VAR operations, underscoring the extensive international involvement in managing this significant continental final.

Record Prize Money at Stake

Beyond the prestige and the potential to etch their names into African football history, the finalists are competing for a substantial financial reward. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe recently announced a record prize purse for the tournament. The winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will receive USD 6 Million. This represents a significant 50% increase over previous prize money, highlighting CAF's ambition to elevate the competition's profile and financial attractiveness. This substantial financial incentive adds another layer of intensity to a final already charged with historical significance and the weight of club aspirations.

Shadow of AFCON Final Controversy Lingers

The core of the clubs' protest against referee Jean-Jacques Ndala lies in his involvement in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. That match, between Morocco and Senegal, was marred by controversy, leading Senegal to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Senegal's complaint reportedly concerns CAF's decision to award the trophy to Morocco, despite Senegal's claim of a 1-0 victory in the final. The ongoing legal review at CAS means that Ndala's officiating in a previous major final remains a subject of intense scrutiny. By appointing Ndala for the CAF Champions League final, CAF appears to be taking a gamble, potentially exposing the competition to further criticism and undermining confidence in its impartiality, especially given the unresolved nature of the AFCON final's aftermath.

Future Implications for CAF's Governance

The dual complaints from Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR signal a growing assertiveness from African clubs regarding officiating standards and the perceived fairness of continental competitions. The clubs' willingness to publicly question CAF's decisions, particularly concerning a referee with a recent controversial history, suggests a desire for greater transparency and accountability. CAF's handling of this situation will undoubtedly set a precedent for future high-profile matches. The organization faces a delicate balancing act: upholding its appointed officials while addressing legitimate concerns raised by its most prominent clubs. The unresolved CAS case related to the AFCON final further complicates matters, casting a long shadow over CAF's decision-making processes and potentially impacting the credibility of its flagship club tournament.

The bottom line

• The CAF Champions League final will feature Mamelodi Sundowns against AS FAR Rabat.
• Both clubs have formally protested the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the first leg.
• Ndala's prior officiating in the 2025 AFCON final is the source of the current controversy.
• The final match dates are May 17 in South Africa and May 24 in Morocco.
• The winning club will receive a record prize of USD 6 Million.
• The dispute highlights ongoing scrutiny of CAF's officiating appointments and governance.