KINSHASA-(MaraviPost)-Renowned football referee Jean Jacques Ndala from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been left out of the list of match officials selected for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off on June 11.
Ndala, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, will miss out on the global showpiece despite his strong reputation on the continent.
His omission follows scrutiny over his recent performances during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held a few months ago.
The experienced official had been entrusted with one of the tournament’s biggest matches, officiating the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.
That appointment had initially cemented his status as a trusted figure in African football officiating circles.
However, it appears that his performance in the tournament may have influenced FIFA’s decision to exclude him from the World Cup roster.
Ndala’s absence has raised eyebrows among football observers, especially considering his experience and previous high profile assignments.
He is not the only casualty, as referees from several other African nations have also been left out of the prestigious tournament.Countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya,Malawi and Nigeria will not have any referees represented at the 2026 World Cup.
This development has sparked debate about the selection criteria used in choosing match officials for the global event.
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