Nwabali, Mendy And Hakimi Towel Saga: CAF Considers Ban On Goalkeepers’ Towels After AFCON Fan Incidents
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) may move to stop goalkeepers from placing towels inside their goalposts following a series of flashpoints at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The issue came to the fore after several matches were disrupted by confrontations between fans and players, with supporters straying close to the goal area to retrieve towels left behind the net.
Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabili and Senegal captain Édouard Mendy were among the goalkeepers forced to challenge spectators during heated moments that drew widespread attention.
CAF’s Referees Committee has now stepped in, with its president, Olivier Safari Kebene, making it clear that the matter goes beyond crowd control and touches directly on the Laws of the Game.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Kebene said match officials have been instructed to strictly enforce existing rules that require the field of play to be kept clear of unauthorised items.
“It is very simple, and we have been clear with our match officials. 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,” Kebene said. “A towel is not considered player equipment. It is not a jersey, it is not shorts, and it is not gloves.”
Goalkeepers often rely on towels during matches, particularly in hot or humid conditions, to dry their hands and improve grip. However, CAF insists that practicality cannot override safety and fairness.
“We understand the practical need, but these items must be kept away from the goal area. They should be placed behind the advertising boards or with the team staff,” Kebene added.
According to CAF, towels tucked into side netting or left near the goalpost can have unintended consequences during play. Officials believe they could distract opposing players, obstruct the referee’s view of the goal line, or even interfere with the ball in tight situations.
The scenes in Morocco highlighted another concern, with towels acting as a trigger for fan intrusion into sensitive areas of the pitch.
In several instances, supporters leaned into the goalmouth to grab towels, sparking angry reactions from goalkeepers and raising fresh questions about stadium security and player protection.
While CAF has not yet announced a formal amendment or competition-wide ban, the governing body’s stance suggests tougher enforcement is imminent.
Referees are expected to be more vigilant, and teams may soon be advised to adjust their routines to avoid placing any personal items near the goal
