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

FIFA has removed Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala from officiating duties for the 2026 World Cup, just two months before the tournament. Ndala, who was part of the pool of referees preparing for the competition, will no longer be included in FIFA's final list of match officials. This decision follows scrutiny over his officiating during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final, which was marred by controversial decisions and a temporary walk-off by Senegal players.