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CAF Backs Controversial Referee For Champions League Final The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the upcoming CAF Champions League final, a move intended to demonstrate institutional support for the official despite significant backlash regarding his officiating during the AFCON final. ‎Ndala, who was in charge of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final, has faced scrutiny following several contentious calls throughout the match, including incidents that led to a temporary player walk-off and subsequent disciplinary actions. ‎The final itself garnered widespread attention in African football circles due to numerous VAR interventions, penalty decisions, and on-field protests. ‎Reports indicate that Ndala will officiate the first leg of the CAF Champions League Final, featuring Morocco’s FAR Rabat against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa. ‎CAF stated that it is crucial to show solidarity by endorsing Ndala, even as doubts linger regarding his performance during the AFCON final. ‎The decision is part of CAF’s broader strategy to bolster confidence in its referees rather than indicate any punitive measures against Ndala. ‎The AFCON final witnessed Senegal taking an early lead before chaos erupted over a controversial penalty decision. Players briefly left the pitch in protest before returning to finish the match, which later became mired in administrative disputes and disciplinary actions. ‎Following internal evaluations, CAF ultimately cleared Ndala of any wrongdoing. ‎The situation has raised concerns among football fans, reflecting ongoing governance challenges within CAF. ‎The organization has frequently faced criticism related to officiating consistency, VAR usage, and disciplinary rulings in major tournaments. By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong

May 4, 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the upcoming CAF Champions League…

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