CAF may stop goalkeepers from placing towels within goal area

By Tosin Omojola –

Controversies at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, where Moroccan fans clashed with opposing goalkeepers, may prompt the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to prohibit goalkeepers from placing towels within their goalposts.

In Morocco, some goalkeepers, including Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabili and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy, confronted fans who encroached on the goal area to pick up their towels.

CAF’s Referees Committee, through its president, Olivier Safari Kebene, addressed the issue during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Kebene explained that the directive is based strictly on the Laws of the Game, which require the field of play to be free of any foreign objects not classified as player equipment.

“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 acknowledging the practical reasons goalkeepers use towels during matches, especially in hot or humid conditions, Kebene stressed that such items must be kept away from the goal area.

“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,” he added.

CAF noted that placing towels inside the side netting or near the goalpost could influence play, distract opponents, obstruct the referee’s view of the goal line, or even interfere with the ball in certain situations.