CAN 2025 final: CAF referees' committee opens up about the towel controversy | OneFootball

CAN 2025 final: CAF referees' committee opens up about the towel controversy

Recently, the president of the CAF referees' committee spoke out about the towel controversy in the CAN 2025 final.

During the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, the situation escalated even further with Édouard Mendy's towel. Several ball boys rushed at Yehvann Diouf, chasing him to get the cloth back. Senegal's backup goalkeeper, who tried to defend his teammate, was even dragged to the ground in the middle of the pitch during the match to prevent the theft.

Recently, the president of the CAF referees' committee fueled the controversy by commenting on the incident. Speaking to Canal+ Afrique, Olivier Safari made some rather astonishing statements to weigh in on this towel saga that's dividing the continent.

"This is a problem the organizers need to consider for future competitions. The towel is not part of a player's or goalkeeper's equipment. When a goalkeeper brings a towel, it needs to be done in a very sporting spirit and with more fair play. The moment it starts to cause shouting or influence the game, I believe the towel should be kept well away from the field of play," he stated.

A bizarre statement that has sparked outrage on social media for several hours now.