CAF Referee Chief Addresses Goalkeeper Towel Controversy After AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football's head of referees has delivered a clear message to goalkeepers across the continent regarding the use of towels in their goal areas. This directive comes in the wake of significant controversies that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament hosted in Morocco.
The Towel Saga That Captured Global Attention
During the semi-final and final matches of AFCON 2025, goalkeepers' towels became unexpected focal points of controversy. Moroccan ball boys and players repeatedly removed towels from the goal areas, sparking heated reactions from affected goalkeepers and their teams.
Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and Nigerian shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali found themselves at the center of these incidents. Nwabali reacted explicitly when Moroccans stole his towel during Nigeria's semi-final clash against the host nation, while Mendy faced similar disruptions during the championship match.
The situation escalated when Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi and teammate Ismail Saibari became involved, with Saibari later apologizing for tossing towels into the stands. According to reports, CAF has charged both players and they could face sanctions for their conduct during the final.
CAF's Official Position on Towel Usage
CAF's head of referees, Olivier Safari Kabene, has now clarified the governing body's stance on this matter. In an interview with Canal+ Sports Afrique, Kabene explained that towels are not considered part of player equipment according to the Laws of the Game.
"The field of play must remain clear of any foreign objects that are not part of the players' equipment," Kabene stated. "A towel is not considered player equipment. It is not a jersey, it is not a pair of shorts, and it is not a pair of gloves."
The referee chief acknowledged the practical need for goalkeepers to use towels but emphasized they must be kept away from the goal area. "These items should be placed behind the advertising boards or with the team staff," he advised.
Psychological Distractions and Gamesmanship Concerns
Kabene expressed particular concern about how towels could be used for psychological advantage or gamesmanship. "When a goalkeeper places a towel inside the side netting or right next to the post, it can influence the game," he explained. "It can distract opponents, obscure the referee's view of the goal line, or even interfere with the ball in certain situations."
The Congolese official described towels as potential tools for psychological distraction that could unfairly impact match outcomes. His comments have sparked debate among football fans, with many arguing that goalkeepers like Mendy and Nwabali kept their towels in positions that didn't interfere with gameplay.
Reactions and Fallout from the Controversy
The towel incidents have prompted broader discussions about sportsmanship and tournament organization in African football. Senegal's second-choice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf previously spoke about protecting Mendy's towels during the final, highlighting the competitive tensions surrounding these seemingly minor items.
As African football continues to grow in global prominence, this controversy underscores the importance of clear regulations and consistent enforcement. The AFCON 2025 towel saga has demonstrated how small details can escalate into significant tournament controversies that capture worldwide attention.
With CAF now providing explicit guidance, goalkeepers and teams across Africa will need to adjust their pre-match routines and equipment management practices. This clarification aims to prevent similar controversies in future tournaments while maintaining fair competition standards across the continent's premier football competition.
