AS FAR Lodge Complaint to CAF Over Appointment of Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for Champions League Clash
The Royal Armed Forces Sports Association (AS Far) of Morocco’s Botola League has formally contacted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to express serious concerns regarding referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.
The esteemed referee from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been appointed by CAF to officiate the first leg of the Champions League, scheduled to take place in Pretoria on May 17.
The CAF Champions League match will serve as a significant test for him following his performance in the AFCON final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Ndala, who has been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2013, was not included in the final list of referees for the World Cup this summer, despite having officiated at the most recent edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in 2025.
There have been reports that the management of AS Far has officially lodged a complaint through the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for an immediate replacement of Ndala, insisting they do not want him to officiate the crucial encounter.
AS Far request, when granted, will be the second attempt to change the referee for this epic final on the continent, Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar was initially appointed but replaced after concerns were raised by Mamelodi Sundowns over alleged regional ties with the Moroccan club.
The Royal Castle of Moroccan football has raised concerns regarding consistency and decision-making at the highest level. It highlighted instances where Senegal players allegedly left the pitch on their coach’s instructions without facing any cautions.
