A Moroccan member of parliament has called for the arrest of Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, the Congolese referee who officiated the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following Morocco’s defeat by Senegal.
The final of the 35th edition of the tournament, played in Morocco and won by Senegal’s Lions of Teranga, has continued to generate strong reactions days after the match.
The MP’s demand has pushed the controversy beyond football, raising concerns about the growing overlap between sport and political discourse.
According to the parliamentarian, Jean-Jacques Ndala should face legal action for what he described as “collusion” or “serious misconduct.”
In comments that have drawn wide attention, he said: “He shattered our dream; he must be tried and convicted here.”
The remarks reflect the depth of frustration felt by some following a final marked by tension and disputed decisions.
The match itself was closely fought, with both sides competing fiercely before Senegal eventually emerged victorious.
While the encounter was filled with dramatic moments, the outcome ultimately rewarded the team that showed greater resilience on the night.
Beyond the controversy, the final also carried symbolic significance for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although the Congolese national team, the Leopards, were eliminated in the round of 16, Congolese officials remained central to the tournament’s later stages.
The referee team, led by Ndala, was entrusted with its third match of the competition, having also officiated the opening fixture.
This appointment was seen as a clear demonstration of confidence from the Confederation of African Football’s Referees Committee.
The officials were tasked with managing one of the most sensitive matches of the tournament, amid heightened scrutiny of refereeing standards.
Jean-Jacques Ndala’s presence in the final was also notable given his selection for the next World Cup, underlining his standing at the highest level of international officiating.
For Congolese refereeing, often criticised in the past, the final represented an opportunity to restore credibility on the continental and global stage.
Despite the backlash, the referee team’s role in the final has placed Congolese officiating firmly back in the spotlight, carrying both recognition and responsibility for the future.
