FIFA Punishes Ndala, Africa Cup Final Referee, by Excluding Him from 2026 World Cup

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has received a major blow from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) after being excluded from the list of referees nominated to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Ndala had previously sparked controversy during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, particularly for failing to adhere to the established rules concerning "withdrawals."

Ndala's exclusion from the World Cup serves as a punishment for his poor management of the African final, which was watched by hundreds of millions worldwide and attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

The Congolese referee had notably avoided blowing the final whistle despite the Senegalese team withdrawing and heading to the changing rooms. He also refrained from cautioning players upon their return to the field, reportedly on the recommendation of CAF Referees Committee Chairman Olivier Safari. Other impactful errors included allowing Senegal's goal despite a clear foul preceding Pape Gueye's shot.