AFCON 2025: Tension Mounts As CAF Set To Name Another Controversial Referee For Final

AFCON 2025: Tension Mounts As CAF Set To Name Another Controversial Referee For Final

Sampson Adedeji

Tension has again risen in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to appoint a controversial referee for the highly anticipated clash between Morocco and Senegal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to emerging details, the CAF Referees Committee is on the verge of naming Congolese official Jacques Ndala as the referee for Sunday’s final scheduled to take place in Rabat.

 Ndala previously officiated the tournament’s opening match between Morocco and Comoros.

The potential appointment has sparked fresh concerns among stakeholders and fans, particularly due to allegations surrounding conflicts of interest. 

Exclusive information from Congolese news outlet Fos7a claims that Ndala is a cousin of CAF Referees Committee Chairman Olivier Safari Kabene, who is also described as a close associate of Fouzi Lekjaa, a key figure in Moroccan football administration.

The development has further fueled debates about officiating neutrality at the ongoing tournament, with critics warning that such an appointment could deepen mistrust and controversy surrounding CAF’s refereeing decisions.

CAF is yet to make an official announcement on the referee for the final, but the situation continues to generate intense discussion as the countdown to Sunday’s decisive match continues.