Nwabali, Mendy and the towel saga: CAF plans new unpopular rule before next AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering a controversial new rule that could affect goalkeepers across the continent following the storm over the use of towels at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The issue first came into focus during Nigeria’s semi-final against hosts Morocco, when Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted by ball boys and stewards. His towels, which he used to dry his gloves in the rain, were constantly taken away, much to his frustration and that of the Nigerian team.

What seemed like an isolated incident later turned into a full-blown controversy in the final, again involving the hosts.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was subjected to similar treatment, with Moroccan ball boys, stewards and even players repeatedly interfering with his towels. One such moment involved Africa Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who was caught on camera taking Mendy’s towel.

Senegal, however, were better prepared this time. Reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf later admitted that the team had learned from what happened to Nwabali in the semi-final. He volunteered to stand near Mendy’s goal to help protect his teammate’s towels.

That decision, though, only made matters worse. Diouf was chased around the pitch by stewards and ball boys and was roughly dragged away, creating more ugly scenes.

In the end, Senegal went on to win the title in dramatic fashion, although the chaotic scenes could still lead to sanctions for Teranga Lions supporters, head coach Pape Thiaw and the Senegal Football Federation.

Many observers expected CAF to take firm action against the behaviour of ball boys and stewards. Instead, the governing body appears to be considering a very different solution.

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CAF considers banning towels from goalkeepers

Rather than focusing on the conduct of those around the pitch, CAF is now reportedly looking at stopping goalkeepers from owning and using towels during matches.

Speaking to Canal+ Afrique via FM, the president of the CAF Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, addressed the issue on Monday.

“This is a problem the organizer must take into account in future competitions,” Safari said.

“A towel is not equipment for a player or a goalkeeper. When a goalkeeper carries a towel, it must be done in a very sporting and fair-play manner. As soon as they start shouting or influencing the game, I think that towel should be removed from the playing area.”

Goalkeepers around the world commonly use towels to dry their gloves or wipe themselves during games. However, CAF is now believed to be considering restricting or banning their use in African competitions if they continue to cause disturbances.

Safari’s comments suggest he may be sympathetic to the actions of the stewards who confronted Nwabali, Mendy and Diouf during the tournament.

Any official directive is expected to come soon, with the next Africa Cup of Nations just over a year away. The 14th edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, and CAF is keen to avoid a repeat of the scenes that overshadowed the last competition.