27/01/2026
Olivier Safari Kabene, President of the CAF Referees’ Committee, has addressed the growing controversy surrounding goalkeepers placing towels in or near their goals.
He explained that the directive is straightforward and has been clearly communicated to match officials. Under the Laws of the Game, the field of play must be free of any foreign objects that are not part of a player’s equipment. A towel does not qualify as player equipment—it is not a jersey, shorts, or gloves.
While CAF understands the practical reasons goalkeepers use towels, such items must be kept outside the goal area. They should be placed behind advertising boards or left with team staff.
Kabene noted that when a goalkeeper puts a towel inside the side netting or close to the goalpost, it can affect the match. It may distract opponents, block the referee’s view of the goal line, or even interfere with the ball in certain situations, he told Canal+ Sport Afrique.
