CAF Moves To Ban Goalkeepers’ Towels After AFCON Incidents

CAF Moves To Ban Goalkeepers’ Towels After AFCON Incidents
Referees instructed to remove unauthorised items from the field of play.
Fan intrusions in Morocco raised security and player safety concerns.

The Confederation of African Football is considering a clampdown on goalkeepers placing towels inside their goalposts following multiple flashpoints during the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The issue surfaced after several matches were disrupted by confrontations involving fans who strayed close to the goal area to retrieve towels left behind the net. These incidents raised concerns over player safety and match control.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Senegal captain Édouard Mendy were among those forced into heated exchanges with spectators, scenes that quickly circulated and drew widespread criticism.

CAF’s Referees Committee has since intervened, stressing that the matter goes beyond crowd behaviour and falls directly under the Laws of the Game.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the committee’s president, Olivier Safari Kebene, said referees have been instructed to strictly enforce existing regulations requiring the field of play to remain free of unauthorised objects.

“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.”

While goalkeepers often rely on towels, especially in hot or humid conditions, CAF insists that safety and fairness must take precedence.

“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.

CAF officials warned that towels tucked into the netting or left near the goalpost could distract opposing players, obstruct the referee’s view of the goal line, or interfere with play in tight situations.

The Morocco tournament also exposed another risk, with towels becoming a trigger for fan intrusion into sensitive areas of the pitch.

In several cases, supporters leaned into the goalmouth to retrieve towels, provoking angry reactions from goalkeepers and prompting fresh questions over stadium security and player protection.

Although CAF has not announced a formal ban or rule amendment, its position points to tougher enforcement going forward.

CAF Moves To Ban Goalkeepers’ Towels After AFCON Incidents

Referees are expected to be more vigilant, while teams may soon be advised to adjust pre match routines to avoid placing personal items near the goal.