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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering a controversial change to its regulations after the use of goalkeeper towels became one of the most talked-about issues at the last Africa Cup of Nations, footynaija.com reports.
What began as a series of strange interruptions during Nigeria’s semi-final against hosts Morocco quickly grew into a tournament-wide talking point.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly disturbed by ball boys and stewards, who kept taking away the towels he was using to dry his gloves in the rain. The scenes caused clear frustration for both the player and the Nigerian bench.
Days later, the issue returned on an even bigger stage. In the final, Senegal’s Edouard Mendy faced similar treatment, with ball boys, stewards and even players interfering with his towels. One incident involved Africa Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who was caught on camera taking one of them.
Hakimi was the first to try to steal Mendy’s towel. Disgraceful behavior from him. How did he win the fair play award? pic.twitter.com/XKhHdTIL1T
— Liz•Bette (@50shadesofLizie) January 19, 2026
Senegal tried to respond by being proactive. Reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf later explained that the team had learned from what happened to Nwabali. He stayed close to Mendy’s goal to guard the towels, but his presence only led to more disorder, as he was chased and dragged away by stewards and ball boys.
Although Senegal went on to lift the trophy, the chaotic scenes could yet bring sanctions for their supporters, coach Pape Thiaw and the Senegal Football Federation. Many expected CAF to also clamp down on those causing the disturbances. Instead, the governing body is now looking at a different approach.
After Morocco players threw away Mendy’s towel (same thing they did to Nwabali, Senegal’s Reserve Goalkeeper, Yehvan Diouf was tasked to hold a towel for Mendy and dude held it like his life depended on it. 4-5 Moroccan ball boys tried to drag it from him. But he fought, held… pic.twitter.com/8AlYz6wwSf
— Francisco Brainiac (@FranciscoBrainy) January 19, 2026
Speaking to Canal+ Afrique via FootMercato, CAF Referees Committee president Olivier Safari said: “This is a problem the organizer must take into account in future competitions. A towel is not equipment for a player or a goalkeeper. When a goalkeeper carries a towel, it must be done in a very sporting and fair-play manner. As soon as they start shouting or influencing the game, I think that towel should be removed from the playing area.”
While goalkeepers around the world routinely use towels, CAF is now considering restricting or even banning them in its competitions. Any decision is expected soon, with the next AFCON, co-hosted by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, just over a year away.
