AFCON referee for African Champions League final criticised

The decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to appoint Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo as referee for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final has sparked strong criticism from several members of its executive committee.

Some officials are calling for the appointment to be reversed, citing concerns over Ndala’s handling of the recent Africa Cup of Nations final, which remains the subject of a legal dispute.

Ndala, who officiated the controversial match between Senegal and Morocco, has been selected to oversee the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR scheduled for May 17 in Tshwane.

According to a CAF executive committee member who spoke anonymously, Ndala’s involvement in the disputed Afcon final makes his selection inappropriate, particularly as aspects of his officiating are under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“We have had a discussion among ourselves and many of us have made it very clear that the appointment of Ndala is not acceptable and that we want a change of referee,” the official said.

The source added that some committee members believe Ndala should be facing disciplinary action over his handling of the Afcon final, describing the current situation as damaging to the image of African football.

At least five members of the executive committee are said to strongly oppose the appointment.

The controversy stems from the Afcon final, where Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, and some players temporarily left the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Earlier in the match, a Senegal goal was disallowed after Ndala penalised a foul in the build up.

Although Morocco lost 1-0 after extra time, CAF later awarded them a 3-0 victory in March, a decision that has since been challenged by Senegal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

A senior CAF administrative official reportedly described Ndala’s appointment for the Champions League final as a public relations setback for the organisation. However, the official noted that CAF regulations protect the independence of the referees committee, limiting interference from political authorities in referee appointments.

Further criticism has also been directed at Olivier Safari Kabene, chairman of CAF’s referees committee, whose decision to serve as a referee assessor for the same final has raised concerns among some executive members over a possible conflict of interest.