"Not Part of the Kit": CAF Referee Chief Slams Senegal’s "Towel Trick" in AFCON Final Against Morocco

Olivier Safari, Head of the CAF Referees Committee, has addressed the controversy surrounding the "towel incident" during last week’s AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal. Safari clarified that removing Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel from the goal area was necessary, as such items can be interpreted as unsporting behavior intended to influence the match’s outcome or distract opponents. "The towel is not part of a player’s equipment," Safari told Canal+ Sport Afrique.

The match, held in Rabat, saw Senegal clinch their second continental title with a 1-0 win in extra time. Morocco missed a historic chance to end a 50-year trophy drought after Brahim Díaz missed a crucial penalty in the final minute of stoppage time. While Senegal celebrates, the "towel debate" remains a talking point regarding sportsmanship and psychological tactics in high-stakes African football.