FIFA Drops Congolese Referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala from World Cup Duty

FIFA has reportedly removed Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala from officiating duties at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, just 2 months before the tournament.

Early reports circulating on April 9 indicate that Ndala, who had been part of the pool of referees preparing for the competition, will no longer be included in FIFA’s final list of match officials.

The decision means Ndala, one of Africa’s most experienced referees, will not officiate any matches at the tournament.

Ndala’s exclusion follows continued scrutiny over his handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final, a match that was overshadowed by major officiating controversy.

The final, played between Senegal and Morocco, saw multiple disputed decisions and an unprecedented temporary walk-off by Senegal players. In the aftermath, reports emerged regarding the circumstances of the match, including claims that Ndala may have received “institutional instructions” not to send off Senegalese players during the disruption.

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