VAR fails in African Champions League final, Ndala under pressure

The video‑assistance referee (VAR) system failed during the African Champions League final in 2026. The breakdown interrupted the match proceedings.

Referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala was overseeing the final when the VAR malfunction occurred. His role placed him at the centre of the technical issue.

Ndala first rose to notoriety after losing control of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco. That match highlighted his difficulties in managing high‑pressure games.

The VAR failure in 2026 adds to a challenging year for the Congolese official. Both incidents have drawn attention to his performance in continental finals.

The incident has revived concerns about the reliability of VAR technology in African club competitions. Stakeholders will need to assess whether the system meets required standards.

Match officials documented the VAR interruption and communicated the issue to the competition organizers. The report will form part of the post‑match review.

The breakdown underscores the pressure on referees and the importance of robust technological support. Future African finals will likely see increased scrutiny of VAR operations.