CAF Disciplinary Board Renders Verdict Against Libya Football Federation Over Regulation Breach In The Suspended Match Between Libya Vs Nigeria
Benghazi, October 26, 2024 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has issued a decision against the Libya Football Federation (LFF) for violations surrounding the recent CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The ruling, announced by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of the CAF Disciplinary Board, has significant implications for Libya’s journey in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
The LFF was found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, alongside Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. The specifics of these violations have not been publicly detailed, but they were deemed substantial enough to warrant strict punitive measures by the board.
As a result, the scheduled match between Libya vs Nigeria (Match No. 87), initially set to take place on October 15, 2024, in Benghazi, has been declared forfeited by Libya. In accordance with CAF’s ruling, Libya will lose the match with a 3-0 scoreline in favour of Nigeria Super Eagles.
Furthermore, the Disciplinary Board has imposed a financial penalty on the LFF, ordering a fine of USD 50,000. The federation is required to settle this amount within 60 days of receiving notification of the decision. The board has dismissed all additional motions or requests for relief brought forth by the LFF or its representatives.
This ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board underscores CAF’s commitment to enforcing regulatory standards and maintaining discipline in the conduct of AFCON qualifying matches. While the specific violations are not fully disclosed, the consequences are clear, as Libya’s forfeiture and the financial penalty impact both the team’s standings and the federation’s finances.
CAF’s decision comes at a crucial time, as teams vie for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament. The Libya Football Federation has yet to respond publicly to the ruling or indicate if it intends to appeal the decision.
CAF Disciplinary Board Decides as Follows:
1. The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
2. The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).
3. The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.
4. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.
5. All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.