AFCON 2025 FALLOUT:- CAF SET TO CRACK DOWN ON NWABALI, MENDY, OTHERS
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a crackdown on goalkeepers who place towels close to or inside the goal area during matches, a practice that has become increasingly common in African competitions.
The decision was confirmed by the CAF Referees Committee, with its president, Olivier Safari Kebene, clarifying the position of the body on Tuesday while addressing the press.
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.
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.
CAF noted that placing towels inside the side netting or close to 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.
Several high-profile goalkeepers are expected to be affected by the decision, including Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, among others.
