The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering stricter regulations and sanctions on goalkeepers’ use of towels following controversies that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
CAF Referees Committee President, Olivier Safari, confirmed that the issue is under review after a series of disruptive incidents involving towels during key matches at the tournament, including the final.
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Nwabali Distracted in Semi-Final
The controversy first surfaced during the semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted as stewards and ball boys interfered with towels placed behind his goal.
Mendy Incident Escalates in Final
A similar situation unfolded in the final involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Ball boys, stewards and even players were seen handling or removing towels positioned near his goal, with a widely shared clip showing African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, taking Mendy’s towel from the goal area.
CAF Clarifies Position
Speaking to Canal+ Afrique, Safari clarified CAF’s position on the matter. “The towel is not part of a goalkeeper’s official equipment,” he said. “Its use must remain within the spirit of fair play. If it influences the match, it must be removed from the playing area.”
Disorder in Closing Minutes
The controversy peaked in the closing minutes of the final when a towel belonging to Mendy was placed inside his goal, prompting a crowd of ball boys, security staff, and players to converge around the penalty area. Diouf fell while trying to retrieve the towel, further adding to the disorder.
Defending his actions afterwards, Diouf said, “I was just trying to help Edouard. There was no intervention to stop what was happening on the pitch.”
Disciplinary Review Ongoing
Safari’s comments come as CAF continues disciplinary investigations into a final already clouded by controversy. The so-called “towel case” is now one of several incidents under review, raising broader concerns about match management and player conduct.
By stressing that towels are not regulated playing equipment, Safari dismissed claims that the situation was deliberately exploited. CAF warned that placing towels inside the side netting or close to the goalposts could distract opponents, obstruct the referee’s view of the goal line, or even interfere with play.
