THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) may be forced to review or completely ban the use of towels by goalkeepers following a series of controversial incidents that marred the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that President of the CAF Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, disclosed that the governing body is considering regulatory changes in response to disruptions caused by the handling of goalkeepers’ towels during key matches at the tournament.
The controversy first gained widespread attention during Nigeria’s semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, when Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted by stadium officials who interfered with his towels placed near the goalpost.
The incident, captured on video, went viral on social media and sparked criticism of match organisation and officiating standards.
Concerns intensified during the AFCON final, again involving the host nation. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy experienced similar interference, with Moroccan ball boys, stewards and even players repeatedly touching, moving or removing his towels during the match.
One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Africa Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi was caught on camera picking up Mendy’s towel, an action that further inflamed tensions and drew sharp reactions from fans and pundits.
As the situation escalated, Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, attempted to intervene by safeguarding Mendy’s towels. However, his actions triggered further chaos, as he was chased around the pitch by stewards and ball boys before eventually being forcibly removed from the playing area.
Despite the distractions and tense atmosphere, Senegal went on to secure the AFCON title in dramatic fashion. Nevertheless, CAF officials have indicated that the incidents could still attract sanctions against Teranga Lions supporters, head coach Pape Thiaw and the Senegal Football Federation, pending further review.
Speaking on Canal+ Afrique via FM, Olivier Safari acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and suggested that CAF organisers must address the matter to prevent a recurrence at future competitions.
“This is a problem the organisers must take into account in future competitions,” Safari said.
He questioned the sporting relevance of towels within the rules of the game, stressing that their misuse could affect fair play.
“A towel is not equipment for a player or a goalkeeper. When a goalkeeper carries a towel, it must be done in a sporting and fair-play manner. Once it is used to shout instructions or influence the game, I believe that towel should be removed from the playing area,” he added.
Safari’s comments have sparked debate across the football community, with some arguing that goalkeepers rely on towels for safety and grip, while others believe clearer guidelines—or an outright ban—are necessary to prevent gamesmanship and external interference.
CAF is yet to issue an official ruling, but officials say the incidents from the AFCON tournament will form part of broader discussions on match organisation, referee protection and fair-play enforcement ahead of future continental competitions.