Libyan Football Federation President Speaks Out Against CAF Ruling
The recent decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to fine Libya $50,000 and strip them of three points and three goals in the 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D match against Nigeria has been met with strong opposition from the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) President, Nasser Al-Suwai’.
As reported by the Libyan Observer, the LFF is disputing the ruling, citing it as “unjust and malicious.” They believe that the Nigeria Football Federation’s influence within CAF may have played a significant role in the decision.
The fine and sanctions were imposed after Libya was found to have violated Article 31 of the 2019 African Cup of Nations regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of CAF’s Disciplinary Code. This was due to the diversion of Nigeria’s flight to Al-Abraq International Airport, which resulted in an 18-hour delay without food and water for the Super Eagles players and crew.
The LFF has 60 days to address the fine and is planning to file an official appeal against the ruling. If unsuccessful, they intend to take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to protect their rights.
In a separate development, the Libyan News Agency has reported that the LFF has had the ban on playing their home matches at neutral venues lifted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Libya, thanks to the efforts of Minister Abdel Hadi Al-Huwaij.
Nigeria currently leads the group with 10 points, while Benin Republic trails behind with three points less. Libya, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group with just one point, having been eliminated from contention for the available tickets to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
