AFCON 2025 Fallout: DR Congo Backs Under-Fire Referee

AFCON 2025 Fallout: DR Congo Backs Under-Fire Referee

Sampson Adedeji

The Federation of Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) has publicly thrown its weight behind its referees who officiated at the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Congolese match officials were heavily criticised during and after the tournament, with referee Jacques Ndala coming under intense scrutiny following his performance in the AFCON final between Senegal and host nation Morocco.

Several controversial decisions taken during the high-profile encounter sparked widespread debate among fans, pundits, and sections of the media, placing Ndala at the centre of post-tournament discussions.

In response to the backlash, FECOFA on Tuesday afternoon released an official statement expressing strong support for Ndala and the country’s refereeing contingent. 

The federation described the criticism as excessive and reaffirmed its confidence in the competence, integrity, and professionalism of its officials.

FECOFA further noted that Congolese referees were selected for the tournament based on merit and CAF’s established criteria, adding that officiating at such a high level inevitably comes with pressure and scrutiny.

The federation urged stakeholders to respect match officials and allow CAF’s relevant bodies to handle any technical reviews or disciplinary matters arising from the competition.