Head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referee Committee, Olivier Safari, has shed light on the controversy surrounding the widely discussed “towel incident” during the Africa Cup of Nations final between hosts Morocco and Senegal.
The incident occurred when a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was placed close to the goal area, prompting Moroccan players and match stewards to intervene and have it removed. The action sparked brief tensions between both teams and momentarily disrupted proceedings.
Speaking to Canal+ Sport Afrique, Safari explained that the decision to remove the towel was based on refereeing principles aimed at protecting the integrity of the game.
“The towel should be kept away from the goalkeeper, as it may affect the course of the game,” Safari said.
He clarified that such items are not recognised as part of a player’s official equipment and could potentially influence play, either directly or indirectly.
“The towel is not any player’s equipment, and if any controversy arises on the field, I think it should be removed, because these items may have a direct or indirect impact.”
Safari further warned that the use of objects like towels inside the field of play could be interpreted as unsporting behaviour or an attempt to gain an unfair advantage.
“Using a towel inside the stadium is considered unacceptable behaviour and may be interpreted as an attempt to influence the course of the match,” he added.
Despite the controversy, Senegal went on to clinch the AFCON title, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time, after Brahim Díaz missed a penalty for Morocco during regulation time.
