The African Football Confederation (CAF) has recently delivered its verdict on the controversies surrounding the officiating of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco. After a thorough investigation and detailed review of all decisions made during the match, CAF has officially cleared Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of any wrongdoing. According to the continental body, no irregularities were found in the conduct of the match, and all officiating decisions were in line with the laws of the game. This announcement puts an end to the questions surrounding Ndala’s responsibility in the key moments of this fiercely contested final.
The final, won by Senegal 1-0 after extra time, was particularly tense and marked by several controversial episodes. Media and sports criticism was rampant, targeting certain decisions made by the referee that seemed, at first glance, to influence the course of the match. These controversies quickly ignited social media and sparked debates in the African football community. Some sequences were deemed contentious by observers, contributing to a climate of distrust around officiating. However, CAF’s meticulous analysis, based on videos, official reports, and testimonies, confirmed that Jean-Jacques Ndala applied the rules with impartiality and professionalism.
Meanwhile, while the main referee has been cleared of any responsibility, CAF has decided to impose significant sanctions on both finalist teams. These measures address various unsportsmanlike behaviors that occurred both on and off the field. Among the decisions made are fines and suspensions for certain players and staff members, as well as formal warnings to the relevant federations. These sanctions reflect CAF’s commitment to maintaining strict discipline and promoting fair play during African competitions, while reminding teams that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, even in high-stakes matches.
Thus, while the controversy over the officiating of the 2025 AFCON final is officially closed for Jean-Jacques Ndala, CAF emphasizes that vigilance and respect for the rules remain essential for all stakeholders in African football. The decision sends a strong message: officiating that respects the laws of the game will always be defended, while unsportsmanlike conduct will continue to face sanctions.
