In a significant ruling, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a series of determinations regarding the interrupted Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria’s Super Eagles. According to a statement issued by CAF, the Libya Football Federation (LFF) was found to have violated several regulations, resulting in substantial penalties. This decision follows an investigation into the events surrounding the match that was originally scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi. The ruling underscores CAF’s commitment to upholding the integrity and rules of its competitions and sends a clear message on the consequences of breaching established protocols.
CAF’s investigation revealed that the LFF violated Article 31 of the AFCON Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. These articles pertain to the responsibility of member associations to ensure a safe and orderly environment for matches, as well as the disciplinary measures for breaches that jeopardize the smooth conduct of games. By infringing these specific regulations, the LFF was held accountable for failing to meet the standards required to host a match of this nature, which led CAF to take decisive disciplinary action.
One of the primary outcomes of this ruling is that the match itself has been declared a forfeit in favor of Nigeria. Match No. 87 of the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers, which was expected to take place in Benghazi, will be recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Nigerian Super Eagles. This ruling effectively grants Nigeria three points in the qualifying campaign without the game being played, a decision that could have significant implications on the standings and prospects of both teams in the race for qualification to the 2025 AFCON tournament. By awarding Nigeria a win by default, CAF aims to address the unfair advantage that would have been created by Libya’s failure to adhere to the regulations.
In addition to forfeiting the match, the Libya Football Federation has been penalized with a substantial financial fine. CAF has ordered the LFF to pay a sum of USD 50,000, underscoring the seriousness with which CAF views the violations in question. This fine is to be settled within 60 days from the date of notification, further highlighting the urgency and accountability that CAF expects in addressing this matter. The financial penalty is intended not only as a punishment but as a deterrent to similar violations by other member associations in the future.
CAF has clarified that all other appeals or requests for further relief related to this case have been dismissed. By issuing this comprehensive ruling, CAF aims to bring the matter to a close, reinforcing its commitment to fair play and regulatory compliance in African football. This decision serves as a reminder to all participating associations of their obligations under CAF’s rules and underscores the potential repercussions for those failing to meet them.
