The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya and ordered them to play two national team matches behind closed doors following incidents of misconduct during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin in Benghazi, Libya.
This disciplinary action adds to Libya’s growing list of controversies, coming just weeks after their criticized treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in October.
Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian national football team to Libya has shed light on the events that led to their unexpected diversion to a remote airport, Al-Abraq, instead of their intended destination, Benghazi.
Controversy arose after the Nigerian delegation, en route to… pic.twitter.com/M9Pjj0Lkmf
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) October 15, 2024
CAF Statement on Libya’s Sanctions
In an official statement, CAF outlined the reasons behind Libya’s punishment, citing violations of its Disciplinary Code:
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged the Libyan Football Federation with misconduct following incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers fixture against Benin in Benghazi on 18 November 2024.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board found the Libyan Football Federation guilty of violating articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for the behaviour of its supporters and officials during and after the match.
“The Libyan Football Federation was ordered to play its next two (2) official national team matches behind closed doors, and the CAF Disciplinary Board imposed a fine of USD 50,000 on the Libyan Football Federation.”
Benin Also Faces Sanctions
Despite being victims of alleged mistreatment in Libya, Benin did not escape CAF’s scrutiny.
The Beninese Football Federation was fined $5,000 for non-cooperation with CAF’s disciplinary body during their qualifier against Rwanda. Additionally, Benin received a $50,000 fine—$25,000 of which was suspended—for the misconduct of their officials following the match.
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Benin had lodged complaints about being attacked by Libyan coaches and police officers after their November AFCON qualifier. Despite the tensions, Benin forced a goalless draw in Tripoli, securing their qualification for AFCON 2025 at Libya’s expense.
Guinea’s Appeal Against Tanzania Rejected
In a separate ruling, CAF dismissed Guinea’s appeal to have Tanzania disqualified from the 2024 AFCON. Guinea had claimed Tanzanian substitute Ibrahim Ame wore an unregistered shirt number (26) during a qualifier. However, CAF deemed the evidence insufficient to warrant disqualification.
Libya’s Troubled Relationship with CAF
Libya’s disciplinary woes with CAF stretch back to their controversial October clash with Nigeria. The Super Eagles’ flight was diverted to Al-Abraq Airport, prompting accusations of “inhumane treatment” from CAF. Libyan officials countered with claims of poor hospitality during their trip to Nigeria.
These repeated incidents underscore CAF’s intensified focus on curbing misconduct as the continent gears up for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where fair play and professionalism will be paramount.