AFCON Final Controversy Deepens As FIFA Exclude Ndala From World Cup Officiating Panel

AFCON Final Controversy Deepens As FIFA Exclude Ndala From World Cup Officiating Panel 

By Niyi Busari 

FIFA has reportedly excluded Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in a development that follows months of controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ndala, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading match officials, had overseen both the opening fixture and the final of the 2025 AFCON tournament held in Morocco—an appointment that underscored his standing within continental football.

The final, contested between Senegal and hosts Morocco, initially ended in a 1–0 victory for Senegal, who scored a late goal to secure the title. However, the match was marred by controversy after Senegalese players briefly left the pitch in protest following a missed penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz.

In a dramatic post-tournament decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee overturned the result. The committee ruled that Senegal had violated competition regulations by abandoning the field of play, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory and the championship.

Senegal has since challenged the decision, filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the case remains under review.

While FIFA has not publicly detailed the reasons behind Ndala’s omission from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster, the timing has raised questions about whether the contentious AFCON final and its aftermath played a role in the decision.

Ndala’s absence represents a significant development for African refereeing, given his experience and prominence on the international stage.