CAF appoints Jean-Jacques Ndala for Champions League final first leg

The CAF Referees Committee has appointed Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala to handle the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League final.

Ndala will take charge of the opening encounter between FAR Rabat and Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa.

The appointment comes despite criticism that followed his performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Ndala faced scrutiny over key decisions in that match, but he continues to be regarded as one of CAF’s top referees based on his experience and recent performances in continental competitions.

CAF has also confirmed that Omar Artan will officiate the second leg of the final, set for May 24 in Rabat, Morocco.

The two-legged final will bring together two of Africa’s strongest sides, with both matches expected to attract significant attention across the continent.