AFCON CONTROVERSY PROMPTS CAF TO REVIEW RULES ON GOALKEEPERS’ TOWELS
Read Time:1 Minute, 31 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, has indicated that CAF may review its rules on the use of towels by goalkeepers following controversies at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The issue first emerged during the semi-final between Nigeria and host nation Morocco, when Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faced repeated distractions as stadium officials interfered with towels placed behind his goal. Videos of the incidents quickly went viral, drawing criticism from fans and pundits over the lack of pitchside control.
The problem intensified during the final, involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who also experienced interference from ball boys, stewards, and even players handling or removing his towels. One widely shared clip showed Africa Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, taking Mendy’s towel from the goal area.
Tensions escalated further when Senegal’s substitute goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, tried to protect the towels, only to be chased by stewards and ball boys and forcibly removed from the pitch, creating chaotic scenes that briefly overshadowed the final. Despite the distractions, Senegal went on to win the AFCON title. Reports suggest potential sanctions could be considered for parts of Senegal’s supporters, head coach Pape Thiaw, and the Senegal Football Federation.
Speaking on the matter, media acknowledged that the incidents highlighted gaps in CAF regulations and suggested possible changes ahead of future competitions. “This is a problem organisers must take into account in future competitions,” he told Canal+ Afrique. He emphasized that towels are not officially considered playing equipment and warned against their misuse: “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 it should be removed from the playing area.”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0