The Confederation of African Football (CAF) may take action following the debacle witnessed during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal.

CAF Referees Committee President Olivier Safari Kabene said that towels are not recognized as part of a goalkeeper's official kit and should therefore not interfere with play.

"This is a problem the organizers need to consider for future competitions. The use of a towel must remain within the spirit of fair play. If it influences the match, it must be removed from the playing area."

Safari noted that the field of play must remain clear of any foreign objects that are not part of the players' equipment. He added that placing a towel inside the net or next to the goalpost can distract opponents, interfere with the ball, or even impede the referee's view of the goal line.

The towel controversy cast a shadow on the AFCON final, which was decided by Sadio Mané's strike in added time.

A towel belonging to the Lions of Teranga's goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy, became the focus of a tussle between ball boys and substitute goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.

Safari's remarks come as CAF continues investigations into the chaos, which saw Senegal momentarily stage a walk-off after Morocco was awarded a penalty.

The towel incident is one of the matters under review and might influence rule changes in future competitions.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter William Okeyo