CAF Officially Clears DR Congo Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala After AFCON 2025 Final Controversy
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has brought definitive closure to one of the most contentious episodes from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, officially clearing DR Congo referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of any officiating errors during the dramatic final between Senegal and Morocco.
Formal Investigation Finds No Fault in Ndala's Performance
Following days of intense scrutiny and heated protests from both competing nations, CAF launched a comprehensive review of Ndala's conduct during the championship match. The African football governing body has now confirmed that its review panel found "no fault or irregularity" in the Congolese official's decisions throughout the encounter.
In an official statement, CAF emphasized that the investigation was conducted with transparency and aimed to protect the integrity of African football. The governing body stated that Ndala's decisions were consistent with established refereeing guidelines and that his match control met the high standards expected at such a prestigious continental event.
Controversial Final Sparks Protests and Sanctions
The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and host nation Morocco proved to be one of the most intense matches in tournament history, marred by controversy and unprecedented reactions from both camps. Tensions escalated dramatically when Ndala awarded a late penalty that Senegal vehemently disputed, leading to players briefly walking off the pitch in protest.
Morocco, who ultimately lost the final 1-0 in extra time, also expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of Ndala's officiating. Both football federations submitted formal complaints to CAF, prompting the governing body to not only sanction both nations for misconduct but also place Ndala's performance under formal review.
"Jean-Jacques Ndala has consistently demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest officials on the continent. His performance in the final was a testament to his discipline and mastery of the game," CAF's Review Board stated in their assessment.
Career Implications and Future Prospects
CAF's public endorsement represents a significant career boost for the DR Congo referee. Rather than facing disciplinary action, Ndala emerges from the controversy with his professional reputation enhanced by the governing body's backing. With CAF praising his seriousness and high level of professionalism, Ndala is now widely expected to be in contention for major international appointments.
The decision sends a broader message that CAF intends to protect its officials when investigations confirm they acted correctly, even when facing pressure from powerful football nations. This development significantly improves Ndala's prospects for officiating at future FIFA competitions, including the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup.
Technical Review Confirms Proper Procedure
CAF's Technical Committee conducted a thorough examination of audio recordings from communications between center referee Jean-Jacques Ndala and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room during the dramatic 18-minute stoppage that overshadowed the final in Rabat. The review confirmed that Ndala followed proper protocol when awarding Morocco a penalty after being advised by VAR to review a challenge via the pitchside monitor.
The ruling effectively puts an end to claims that officiating errors influenced the match outcome, shifting focus back to the actions of teams and technical staff during the dramatic encounter. This comprehensive clearance reinforces CAF's commitment to maintaining officiating standards while supporting referees who demonstrate professionalism under pressure.
