FIFA Makes Major Decision on AFCON 2025 Final Referee Jean Jacques Ndala
- FIFA has taken a major decision regarding Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala ahead of the 2026 World Cup
- The official rose to prominence following his controversial performance in the disputed AFCON 2025 final
- In total, seven referees from Africa have been selected to officiate at the upcoming global tournament
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FIFA has ruled Jean-Jacques Ndala out of officiating at the 2026 World Cup, months after his controversial role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The decision ends the Congolese referee's hopes of featuring at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July this year.
Source: Getty Images
FIFA decides on AFCON final referee
Ndala came under intense scrutiny after the chaotic closing stages of the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, which has become one of Africa’s most talked-about matches in recent history.
He disallowed a late Teranga Lions goal in the dying moments, then awarded the Atlas Lions a penalty shortly after.
Watch the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, as shared on YouTube:
The decision sparked protests from Senegal’s players, who briefly walked off the pitch before returning.
Brahim Díaz missed the resulting spot kick with a Panenka attempt after the Senegalese team came back onto the park.
Amid the chaos, Senegal went on to score in extra time and believed they had secured the title, according to CAF Online.
However, 58 days later, CAF overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win after ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the field.
Ndala’s handling of the situation drew widespread criticism, despite his otherwise composed performance throughout most of the game.
While he may have tried to manage an already chaotic situation after Senegal’s actions, his decision to let play continue instead of ending the match and awarding Morocco the win may have backfired.
In the end, that call appears to have cost him a place at the World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Fans react as Ndala misses 2026 WC
The fallout from that night continues to shape opinion. Fans remain divided, with many taking to social media to react to FIFA’s decision.
@MalingaOwe38444 wrote:
"He made a big mistake whistling immediately, denying the Senegal goal at the AFCON final when the entire world was watching. If only he had waited a few seconds. He misunderstood the rule book on the biggest African stage."
@hodmudau slammed Ndala:
"Imagine referring AFCON final to being shunned for the World Cup. Very embarrassing."
@Olaka316 summed up:
"If true, very good from FIFA. This ref would never be respected ever. This current CAF is the same as the ref. Brought so much disrespect to African football to favour Morocco that can't play football on the field, only in the boardroom."
Interestingly, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later cleared Ndala of any wrongdoing after reviewing his performance, according to Africa Top Sports.
“Jean-Jacques Ndala has consistently demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest officials on the continent. His performance in the final was a testament to his discipline and mastery of the game,” CAF’s Review Board stated.
Despite that backing, FIFA’s decision suggests the controversy has weighed heavily on his chances.
Ndala will now miss out on a place among the seven African referees selected for the World Cup, bringing a difficult chapter in his career into sharper focus.
CAF president sends WC message to Senegal
YEN.com.gh reported that CAF president Patrice Motsepe had sent a message to Senegal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Amid the AFCON final fallout, he visited the country, nearly a month after the African football body awarded the title to Morocco.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
