Libyan Football Federation to challenge AFCON sanctions
The Libyan Football Federation plans to take legal action to reverse sanctions imposed on them after the national side’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria was cancelled.
According to AfricaNews on October 30th, Nigeria’s Super Eagles boycotted the game following the diversion of their flight to Libya, leaving them stranded in an airport terminal overnight.
The lead up to the match, which was scheduled for October 15th, was afflicted by an increasingly bitter tit-for-tat row between the two sides.
Following the cancellation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory and fined the Libyan Football Federation $50,000 (£38,500).
The acting president of the federation Abdunnaser Ahmed said: “Matchpoints cannot be awarded in this way. This is a precedent that African football has never witnessed before.”
“Whoever refrains from playing before any match is cancelled should be considered a loser.”
He criticized CAF for not accurately assessing the situation, asserting that the flight diversion was due to “technical and logistical reasons related to air navigation.”
The Libyan Football Federation president confirmed that they intend to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if necessary, stating: “We believe our cause is just. We will not give up our right.”
READ: Nigerian football team claim Libya plane diversion ‘revenge’
The decision puts Libya’s qualification dreams on the brink, as they now need to win their remaining two matches in Group D, while hoping that Benin and Rwanda do not earn any points.
In contrast, Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, called the CAF decision “justice”, highlighting that their flight was diverted to an airport further away, despite the pilot informing authorities they were low on fuel.
The Super Eagles were sent to Al Abraq, a town located about 143 miles from Benghazi where they were due to play.
After arrival on October 13th, they were not met by any Libyan Football Federation representatives and players reported being left without food, Wi-Fi, or accommodation overnight.
The following day they returned to Nigeria, one day before the match was scheduled.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, described the circumstances as “most unfortunate,” pointing out the complexities arising from Libya’s divided political landscape.
The situation was further complicated by the lack of diplomatic representation for one of Libya’s administrations in Nigeria.
As a result of the sanctions, Nigeria is now just one victory away from qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
AfricaNews and Agencies
