FIFA drops AFCON final referee from 2026 World Cup

FIFA has excluded referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala from the 2026 World Cup.

The Congolese official, who took charge of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, will not be at this summer’s tournament.

The AFCON final descended into chaos and controversy, as the Teranga Lions eventually won 1-0 in Rabat.

After the game, Ndala became the subject of criticism over his handling of the match.

Ndala failed to blow the final whistle despite Senegal players staging a walk-off and didn’t issue any yellow cards when they eventually returned to the field.

In a clear punitive move, FIFA has excluded Nadal from the list of referees for the World Cup.

CAF subsequently stripped Senegal of the title, but the West Africans have taken their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).