The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding sanctions imposed following the canceled 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match against Nigeria.
We had previously reported how the Nigerian Super Eagles faced major challenges including a diverted flight, more than 18 hours of delays and logistical issues during a trip for the second leg of the 1-0 win in favor of Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa State Ibom. .
As a result, CAF canceled the match, conceding three goals and three points to the Super Eagles and fining the Libyans $50,000.
A statement from the CAF Disciplinary Council in its ruling on Saturday, signed by the president, Ousmane Kane, says that the Disciplinary Council met and decided the following:
“The Libyan Football Federation is considered to have violated article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
“Match No. 87 Libya-Nigeria of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (scheduled for October 15 in Benghazi) was declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).
“The Libyan Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of $50,000. The fine must be paid within 60 days following notification of this decision. All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
However, according to Libyan outlet alwasat.ly, the LFF considers the decision that has placed them at the bottom of Group D in the AFCON qualifiers to be unfair.
For this reason, the Libyan authorities have hired the services of a Tunisian lawyer, Ali Abbas, to defend their position.
The outcome of this appeal could have major implications for the ongoing qualification process, particularly for Nigeria, who currently only need one more point to secure their place in the competition in Morocco.
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