During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, several viral videos began circulating online showing stadium security staff removing towels placed near the edge of the pitch—sometimes rather forcefully-by players or team staff. These clips quickly sparked rumors, with some internet users speculating about sorcery or superstitious practices, even claiming towels were being “stolen.” But the reality behind these incidents is far less dramatic. The security personnel were simply enforcing international football regulations that are clear and specific.
According to the official Laws of the Game, published by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and enforced by FIFA, no unauthorized objects are permitted on the field or in its immediate surroundings. Law 1, which defines the field of play, states that it must remain free from any equipment or item that could disrupt the match, compromise player safety, or impact the integrity of the competition.
In line with these global rules, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also enforces strict guidelines for its competitions. Only essential items like water bottles, medical kits, or other tools explicitly approved by match officials are allowed near the pitch. Personal items such as towels fall outside this list and are therefore not permitted in that space.
This level of strictness isn’t about being overly rigid—it’s about maintaining fairness, clarity, and safety. A clean, unobstructed playing area helps avoid unnecessary disputes, distractions, or suspicions, especially in a high-stakes international tournament. Allowing random items to remain on the sidelines opens the door to misinterpretation or accusations of gamesmanship. So when security staff remove these objects-often acting on instructions from referees or match delegates—they’re simply doing their job by upholding the rules.
The social media frenzy surrounding “grigris” or supposed mystical practices illustrates just how quickly misinformation can take root. Clips showing players trying to retrieve their towels were quickly taken out of context and fed into narratives mixing superstition with cultural clichés. While some of these interpretations may have been intended as humorous, they reflect a distorted view of what’s really happening on the field.
The truth is far simpler: the rules apply to everyone, regardless of nationality, playing style, or pre-match rituals. The Africa Cup of Nations operates under the same FIFA regulations used worldwide. It’s not about judging the players’ intentions—it’s about ensuring that all teams compete under the same controlled and fair conditions.
In a tournament as prestigious as the CAN, consistency and rule enforcement are non-negotiable. From referees to technical officials and security personnel, everyone plays a role in preserving the credibility of the event. And while the removal of a towel might seem trivial to some, in the context of a major international competition, even the smallest details matter. The structure is there for a reason—and it’s the official rulebook, not speculation, that guides every decision.
