The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering stricter regulations and possible sanctions on the use of towels by goalkeepers following a series of controversies that overshadowed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
President of the CAF Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, confirmed that the matter is under active review after several disruptive incidents involving towels were recorded during key matches at the tournament, including the final.
The controversy first emerged during the semi-final clash between Nigeria and host nation Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was reportedly distracted as stewards and ball boys interfered with towels placed behind his goalpost.
The situation escalated further in the final involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. During the match, ball boys, stewards and players were seen handling or removing towels positioned near his goal. A widely circulated video also showed African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, taking Mendy’s towel from the goal area, further fuelling debate.
Speaking to Canal+ Afrique, Safari clarified CAF’s stance, stating that towels are not classified as official playing equipment. “The towel is not part of a goalkeeper’s official equipment. Its use must remain within the spirit of fair play. If it influences the match, it must be removed from the playing area,” he said.
The controversy reached its peak in the closing stages of the final when Mendy’s towel was reportedly placed inside his goal, triggering confusion as ball boys, security personnel and players converged around the penalty area. The incident caused further disruption when Diouf fell while attempting to retrieve the towel.
Reacting after the match, Diouf defended his actions, explaining that he was only trying to assist his teammate. “I was just trying to help Edouard. There was no intervention to stop what was happening on the pitch,” he said.
Safari’s remarks come amid ongoing CAF disciplinary investigations into the final, which was already marred by several contentious incidents. The so-called “towel case” has now become one of multiple issues under review, raising broader concerns about match control, officiating, and player conduct.
CAF further warned that towels placed inside side netting or close to the goalposts could distract opposing players, obstruct the referee’s view of the goal line, or interfere with play, insisting that any such practice undermines fair competition.
