CAF Set To Crack Down On Nwabali, Mendy, Others

CAF Set To Crack Down On Nwabali, Mendy, Others

Sampson Adedeji

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, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

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.

“It is very simple, and we have been clear with our match officials. According to the Laws of the Game, the field of play must remain clear of any foreign objects that are not part of the players' equipment,” Kebene said.

 “A towel is not considered player equipment. It is not a jersey, it is not a pair of shorts, and it is not gloves.”

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.

 “We understand the practical need, but these items must be kept away from the goal area".

 "They should be placed behind the advertising boards or with the team staff,” he added.

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.