Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee has appointed Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League final between Morocco’s FAR Rabat and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. The crucial match is scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Ndala’s appointment follows significant criticism he received for his performance during the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Despite the controversy, he remains a highly-rated official within CAF, continuing to be assigned to prominent continental matches.
Context of the Appointment
The CAF Champions League final is the pinnacle of club football on the African continent, drawing immense attention from fans, media, and stakeholders. The appointment of referees for such high-stakes matches is meticulously scrutinized, with decisions often having a significant impact on the outcome and subsequent discussions.
Ndala, an experienced referee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has officiated numerous high-profile matches in CAF competitions. His consistent selection for major finals underscores CAF’s trust in his experience, even amidst past criticisms.
Details of the Final and Referee Assignments
The first leg of the final will see FAR Rabat of Morocco face off against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa. This encounter is set to take place at a venue in Pretoria, South Africa.
Following the Pretoria fixture, the return leg will be held on May 24 in Rabat, Morocco. CAF has also confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will be in charge of this decisive second leg.
Past Controversies and Referee Standing
Jean-Jacques Ndala’s officiating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final was a focal point of post-match analysis. Reports from the tournament indicated that his decisions were a source of contention, leading to widespread debate among football analysts and supporters.
Despite these unfortunate scenes and recent scrutiny, CAF’s Referees Committee has maintained its confidence in Ndala. This indicates a broader strategy within CAF to rely on experienced officials for its most significant tournaments, perhaps prioritizing familiarity and established presence over avoiding potentially controversial figures.
Implications for the Final and Beyond
Ndala’s appointment for the first leg means his performance will be under intense observation. Football fans and pundits will be keenly watching his management of the game, particularly in critical moments, to see if he can deliver a performance free from controversy.
For Mamelodi Sundowns and FAR Rabat, the familiarity with Ndala’s officiating style might offer some advantage, though the pressure of a Champions League final is immense for any referee. The choice of Ndala for the first leg and Artan for the second suggests CAF’s approach to balancing experienced referees across both crucial matches.
The continued selection of referees like Ndala, despite past issues, raises questions about the evaluation and development of officiating talent within African football. It also highlights the challenges CAF faces in ensuring consistent, high-level refereeing across its competitions.
As the CAF Champions League final approaches, the focus will not only be on the players and teams but also on the man in the middle. The performance of Jean-Jacques Ndala in Pretoria will set the tone for the final and will be a significant talking point regardless of the outcome on the field.
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