AS FAR ‘Protest’ Referee Appoint For CAFCL…

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Moroccan side AS FAR have reportedly protested the appointment of the referee who is set to take charge of their CAF Champions League final against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

Congolese official Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo has been selected to officiate the first leg of the highly anticipated final in Tshwane.

Read: FAR Rabat’s Path To Face Sundowns

The referee was previously in charge of the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, a match that drew widespread criticism and even resulted in a legal dispute following Senegal’s walk-off.

Now, Ndala is once again at the centre of attention after being appointed for the continental showpiece between AS FAR and the Brazilians, scheduled to take place on 17 May, with the return leg set for Rabat later in the month.

According to The Independent, several members within the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee have called for the decision to be reconsidered, demanding that Ndala’s appointment be overturned.

The Moroccan side have also taken formal steps in response, according to Al Gomhor.

The club’s management is understood to have submitted an official protest to CAF, expressing concern over the decision to appoint the DR Congo referee for such a high-stakes encounter.

The Moroccan outfit’s concerns reportedly stem largely from Ndala’s handling of the recent AFCON final, where his performance came under heavy scrutiny.

Read: Mosimane Among Three Big Names Linked With National Side

Club officials are thought to believe that the controversy surrounding that match could have an impact on his decision-making in the upcoming final.

In their protest, AS FAR further reportedly pointed out that Ndala was not included among the referees selected for upcoming FIFA World Cup fixtures, a factor they claim raises additional questions over his suitability for the match.

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