CAF Appoints Controversial AFCON Final Referee For Champions League Final

CAF Appoints Controversial AFCON Final Referee For Champions League Final

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee has appointed controversial 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, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ndala, who came under heavy criticism following his handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, will take charge of the first leg scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa.

The experienced official has remained one of CAF’s highly rated referees despite the controversies surrounding his officiating performances in recent years.

CAF also confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan has been selected to officiate the second leg of the final, which will take place on May 24 in Rabat, Morocco.

The highly anticipated final is expected to attract huge attention across the continent, with both clubs aiming to secure Africa’s biggest club football title.