CAF’s Decision to Address Goalkeeper Towel Issue
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) plans to regulate goalkeepers’ use of towels after several incidents at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Fans disrupted matches by intruding into the goal area to retrieve towels that goalkeepers left behind.
The Flashpoint at AFCON
The issue gained attention when goalkeepers, including Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabili and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy, confronted fans who strayed too close to the goal to grab towels. CAF’s Referees Committee stepped in, acknowledging that the issue extends beyond crowd control and touches the laws of the game.
CAF’s Official Response
Olivier Safari Kebene, president of CAF’s Referees Committee, made it clear that match officials must enforce existing rules more strictly. He emphasized that no unauthorized items should remain on the field of play. “A towel is not considered player equipment. It is not a jersey, it is not shorts, and it is not gloves,” Kebene said during a press briefing.
Practical Considerations vs. Safety
Goalkeepers often use towels to dry their hands in hot or humid conditions, which helps them maintain a better grip. However, CAF believes safety and fairness must take priority over practical concerns. Kebene added, “We understand the practical need, but these items must stay away from the goal area. They should be placed behind the advertising boards or with the team staff.”
The Risk of Distractions and Fan Intrusion
CAF raised concerns about towels left in the goal area because they could distract opposing players, block the referee’s view, or interfere with the ball during tight situations. More importantly, these towels prompted fan intrusion, with spectators leaning into the goalmouth to grab them, causing heated exchanges between fans and goalkeepers.
CAF’s Plan Moving Forward
Although CAF has not yet announced a formal ban, the governing body has indicated that stricter enforcement is coming. Referees will become more vigilant, and teams may soon receive advice on how to adjust their routines to avoid placing any personal items near the goal.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.
