The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has also placed Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, who handled the Cameroon vs Morocco match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), under investigation. Reports suggest he may also lose his spot on the 2026 World Cup officiating list if the findings go against him.
Ndala faced heavy criticism for his handling of the match, which saw Senegal players briefly walk off the pitch after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco. After Senegal’s return to the pitch, they won the tie 1-0, but Morocco protested and was later declared the winner by the CAF appeals committee.
He is one of Africa’s top referees, Ndala handled both the opening and the final matches of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
FIFA investigates AFCON referee who officiated Nigeria vs Morocco match
Meanwhile, Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Laryea, who officiated the Nigeria vs Morocco match during the 2025 AFCON has been removed from the final list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA has removed a Ghanaian referee who officiated the Nigeria vs Morocco clash at the Africa Cup of Nations from its final list of referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The referee was initially selected to represent Africa at the global tournament. However, FIFA withdrew his appointment after completing an investigation into his performance.
African referees officiating at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Africa will be represented in the 2026 FIFA World Cup officials by representatives from Egypt, Mauritania, Algeria, Gabon, South Africa, Morocco, Cameroon, Somalia and Angola.
The officials are namely: Dahane Beida from Mauritania, Omar Artan from Somalia, Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria, Egypt has Amin Mohamed, South Africa will be represented by Abongile Tom while Jalal Jayeed is from Morocco and Pierre Atcho from Gabon.
Egypt leads African representation with four officials, followed by Morocco, Algeria, and Gabon with three each. South Africa has two, while the remaining countries have one each.
Senegal defies CAF ruling, parades 2025 AFCON trophy in France
TrendIn reported that Senegal on Saturday, March 28, paraded the AFCON trophy won during the 20205 intercontinental final with Morocco.
On Tuesday, March 17, CAF overturned Senegal’s 1-0 final victory over Morocco in Rabat, awarding a 3-0 win to the hosts. CAF ruled that Senegal violated regulations by leaving the pitch without the referee’s permission.
Senegal had beaten Morocco in the final of the competition on January 18.
