The world football governing body, FIFA, has officially removed Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala from the officiating panel for the 2026 World Cup. Ndala, who was recently entrusted with the high-profile 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal, will not be part of the officiating team for the upcoming global tournament this summer.
The decision is widely viewed as a direct consequence of the chaotic and highly disputed conclusion to the continental final in Rabat, where Senegal secured a 1-0 victory. Following the match, the official’s performance became a focal point of intense scrutiny and widespread backlash. Critical errors cited include his failure to formally signal the end of the match after Senegal’s squad staged an mid-game walk-off, as well as his decision to forgo disciplinary action or yellow cards when the players eventually resumed their positions on the pitch.
In what is being interpreted as a disciplinary measure by FIFA, Ndala’s name was notably absent from the finalized list of World Cup referees. The fallout from the final has extended beyond the officiating, as CAF moved to strip Senegal of their continental crown in the wake of the controversy. This decision has since prompted the West African nation to seek legal recourse, filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The omission marks a significant downturn in the career of the Congolese official, whose handling of one of Africa’s most prestigious matches has led to his exclusion from the sport’s biggest international stage.
