CAF sanctions Libya after ‘police assaulted Benin Republic players’ during AFCON qualifier

CAF sanctions Libya after ‘police assaulted Benin Republic players’ during AFCON qualifier

 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the
Libyan Football Federation (LFF) $50,000 and ordered the country to play two
matches behind closed doors.

 

In a statement on Sunday, CAF charged Libya with
“misconduct” during and after the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
qualification game against the Benin Republic in Tripoli on November 18.

 

Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Cheetahs of the Benin
Republic, had recounted how the Libyan police assaulted him and his players
“with batons” after the game, which ended goalless.

 

The goalless draw was enough to ensure the Benin Republic
qualified for the 2025 AFCON, while Libya stayed outside the qualification zone
at the bottom of the group.

 

According to Rohr, the Squirrels were set upon by Libyan
authorities and fans after the final whistle.

 

Videos that surfaced online showed some Benin Republic team
members massaged injuries with ice packs following a reported attack in their
dressing room.

 

In its ruling, the CAF disciplinary board “found the LFF
guilty of violating articles 82 and 151 of the organisation’s disciplinary code
for the behaviour of its supporters and officials during and after the match”.

 

Libya’s latest sanction comes three months after the country
was also punished for the treatment of Super Eagles during the AFCON
qualification campaign.

 

Ahead of a game scheduled for Benghazi, the Nigerian
national team’s flight was diverted to Al Abaq airport, and the players and
coaches were held for over 20 hours without food and drinks.

 

Libya eventually forfeited the game and was fined $50,000.
Nigeria was also awarded three points and three goals.

Source: CAF sanctions Libya after ‘police assaulted Benin Republic players’ during AFCON qualifier

 - NigerianEye
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