The issue drew widespread attention after repeated pitch-side disruptions appeared to target goalkeepers during key matches, raising questions about fair play, match organisation and player protection at major tournaments.
The controversy first emerged in the semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was persistently distracted as stadium officials interfered with the towels he kept behind his goal. Videos of the incidents circulated rapidly on social media, prompting criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Matters escalated further during the final, once again involving the host nation. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy faced similar interference, with Moroccan ball boys, stewards and even players repeatedly handling or removing his towels. One widely shared clip showed Africa Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi taking Mendy’s towel from the goal area.
The situation became increasingly disorderly when Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, attempted to help protect Mendy’s towels. Diouf was subsequently chased around the pitch by stewards and ball boys before being forcibly removed, leading to tense and chaotic scenes that overshadowed parts of the final.
Despite the distractions, Senegal went on to claim the AFCON title in dramatic fashion. However, the incidents may still carry consequences, with possible sanctions looming for sections of Senegal’s supporters, head coach Pape Thiaw and the Senegal Football Federation.
Reacting to the controversy, President of the Confederation of African Football Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, acknowledged the problem and suggested that regulatory changes could be considered ahead of future competitions.
“This is a problem the organisers must take into account in future competitions,” Safari said in an interview with Canal+ Afrique via FM.
He added that towels are not officially recognised as playing equipment and warned against their misuse. “When a goalkeeper carries a towel, it must be done in a sporting and fair-play manner. Once it is used to shout instructions or influence the game, I believe that towel should be removed from the playing area.”
Safari’s comments are expected to fuel further debate around match-day conduct, the role of stadium officials and the need for clearer guidelines to prevent similar incidents at upcoming CAF tournaments.