In a strong response to the aborted 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a decisive ruling, awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory. The ruling, announced Saturday, comes after Nigeria’s Super Eagles abandoned the match following what they described as a "hostage situation" involving Libyan authorities in Benghazi. The North African nation now faces significant disciplinary actions as CAF aims to enforce regulatory standards.
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CAF, the governing body for African football, cited multiple regulatory breaches in its decision to sanction Libya. According to CAF, the Libya Football Federation violated Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, alongside Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. These articles cover issues related to security, fair play, and organizational responsibilities required for hosting international matches. As a consequence, Libya was penalized with a 3-0 loss by forfeit and a fine amounting to $50,000.
Details of CAF's Decision
Renowned journalist Osasu Obayiuwana shared the decision on social media, highlighting the key elements of CAF's ruling:
1. Regulatory Violations: CAF found Libya in breach of multiple articles governing match hosting and conduct. This included Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, which specifies host responsibilities to ensure match safety, and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, which outline penalties for endangering team welfare and match integrity.
2. Forfeiture of the Match: CAF ruled that Match No.87 between Libya and Nigeria, originally scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi, would be awarded to Nigeria with a scoreline of 3-0. This decision gives Nigeria three additional points in their AFCON 2025 qualifying group, boosting their chances of reaching the tournament.
3. Financial Penalty: Libya’s Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of $50,000. This amount must be settled within 60 days from the date of the ruling’s notification.
4. Dismissal of Further Appeals: CAF dismissed any further motions or appeals related to the incident, solidifying the ruling as final.
The decision follows a troubling report that the Nigerian team allegedly faced restrictive treatment in Benghazi, heightening concerns over the security arrangements provided by Libyan authorities. By taking such a firm stance, CAF aims to reinforce the responsibility of host nations in safeguarding the welfare of visiting teams, coaches, and officials.
CAF’s strict measures are likely intended to deter similar incidents in the future, underscoring that hosting international matches entails an obligation to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all participating teams.