AS FAR have formally objected to the appointment of Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo as referee for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. The Moroccan club has submitted a written complaint to the Confederation of African Football demanding his immediate replacement. Their opposition stems from Ndala's handling of the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, during which Senegal players left the pitch following their coach's instructions and were not cautioned. AS FAR has questioned his credibility, noting he is not on FIFA's list of referees selected for the upcoming World Cup. Originally, CAF had assigned Amin Mohamed Omar to officiate the match. Mamelodi Sundowns raised concerns over Omar's regional ties to AS FAR, leading CAF to appoint Ndala instead. With both clubs now expressing dissatisfaction, CAF is expected to convene an urgent meeting to address the officiating arrangements for the first-leg clash in Pretoria.
The same referee controversy that marred the AFCON final is now disrupting the Champions League decider, with both finalists challenging the officiating choice. CAF's attempt to appease one club by replacing Amin Mohamed Omar has backfired, leaving no referee with undisputed legitimacy in the eyes of the teams. No Nigerian or African player featured in the events described.
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