The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering a review of regulations on goalkeepers’ use of towels following incidents at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In an interview with to Canal+ Afrique, CAF Referees Committee president Olivier Safari said towels are not recognised as official playing equipment and should not be used in ways that affect the game.
“A towel is not equipment for a player or a goalkeeper,” Safari said. “If it is used to give instructions or influence play, it should be removed from the field.”
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The controversy began during Nigeria’s semi-final against Morocco, when Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted as officials interfered with his towels.
Similar scenes occurred in the 2025 AFCON final involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, whose towels were handled or removed by ball boys and others, including Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi.
Despite the incidents, Senegal went on to win the tournament. However, CAF may still take disciplinary action, while the towel controversy has prompted talks of possible rule changes ahead of future competitions.
