Libya Takes Legal Action Against CAF’s Award of Points to Nigeria

As reported by Libyan news outlet alwasat.ly, Libya has engaged Tunisian attorney Ali Abbas to argue its case, deeming the CAF’s judgment “unfair.”

Libya – The Libyan Football Federation has lodged an appeal against the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent decision to award Nigeria three points and a 3-0 victory after a disrupted Africa Cup of Nations qualifier originally set for October 15 in Benina, Libya. The ruling also imposed a fine of $50,000 on Libya for violations related to the handling of the Nigerian team’s arrival and conditions.

As reported by Libyan news outlet alwasat.ly, Libya has engaged Tunisian attorney Ali Abbas to argue its case, deeming the CAF’s judgment “unfair.” The decision was prompted by a complaint from the Nigerian Football Federation, which led to an investigation by CAF’s disciplinary committee. The Super Eagles reportedly faced a grueling 20-hour ordeal due to a diverted flight, a prolonged wait at Labraq Airport—300 kilometers from their intended destination in Benghazi—and subpar conditions, including a lack of food and water. Ultimately, Nigeria’s team had to abandon the match and return home.

The disciplinary committee, overseen by Ousmane Kane, ruled in favor of Nigeria, citing infractions of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, along with Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. Consequently, Libya was deemed to have forfeited the match, resulting in a 3-0 scoreline awarded to Nigeria.

If this ruling stands, it could bring Nigeria closer to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, while leaving Libya at the bottom of Group D with just one point.