Airport saga: Libya rejects CAF’s verdict, files appeal

In response to the penalty imposed on them for the disastrous 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria, the Libya Football Federation (LFF) has filed an appeal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

AFRIPOST had reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria had several difficulties during travel for the return leg of the 1-0 victory in favour of Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, including a rerouted aircraft, more than eighteen hours of delays, and a logistical problem.

As a consequence, CAF called off the game, giving the Super Eagles three goals and three points and fining the Libyans $50,000.

According to a statement issued by the CAF Disciplinary Board on Saturday and signed by its chairman, Ousmane Kane, the board convened and reached the following decision:

“The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October in Benghazi) was declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

“The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”

Alwasat.ly, a Libyan website, claims that the LFF views the decision that has landed them at the bottom of Group D in the AFCON qualifiers as unjust.

As a result, the Libyan government has hired Ali Abbas, a Tunisian attorney, to support their claims.

Given that Nigeria presently needs just one more point to guarantee its spot in the competition in Morocco, the decision of this appeal might have a big impact on the ongoing qualifying process.

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