World football governing body FIFA has ruled out Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala from officiating at the 2026 World Cup.
The decision comes months after his controversial performance in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which drew heavy criticism from fans, players, and football officials.
Ndala was at the centre of several disputed calls during the final, with many observers questioning his judgement in key moments of the match. The backlash that followed placed his officiating under intense scrutiny.
After a detailed review process, FIFA opted to leave the experienced referee out of its list for the global tournament. The body is said to have based its decision on consistency, performance levels, and the need to maintain high refereeing standards on the world stage.
The move signals FIFA’s firm stance on accountability, especially after major competitions where officiating decisions can shape outcomes. It also reflects the growing demand for accuracy and fairness in modern football.
Ndala, once regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, now faces an uncertain future at the highest level, as the fallout from the AFCON final continues to affect his career.
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