President of the Confederation of African Football Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, has suggested that the governing body may review regulations surrounding the use of towels by goalkeepers following the controversy that erupted during the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The issue first surfaced during Nigeria’s semi-final clash against hosts Morocco, when Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted by stadium officials who interfered with his towels, a scene that quickly went viral on social media.
The situation escalated during the final, again involving the host nation. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was subjected to similar interference, with Moroccan ball boys, stewards and even players repeatedly handling or removing his towels. One notable incident involved Africa Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who was caught on camera taking Mendy’s towel.
The disruption forced Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, to step in and help safeguard Mendy’s towels during the match.
