AFCON Qualifiers: Libya Files Appeal Against CAF’s Decision

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has launched an appeal to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Disciplinary Board following its recent decision regarding the outcome of the Group D Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match. The board had declared the second-leg match between Libya and Nigeria forfeited by Libya, awarding three points and a 3-0 scoreline in favor of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The LFF, deeming the ruling “unjust,” has engaged prominent Tunisian attorney Ali Abbas to represent its case. According to reports from Libyan news outlet alwasat.ly, Abbas is tasked with challenging the disciplinary ruling, which the LFF believes unfairly penalizes the Libyan national team. The federation maintains that the decision to declare the match forfeited and to award points to Nigeria lacks fair justification.

The match, initially scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi, Libya, was canceled due to undisclosed circumstances. However, on Saturday, CAF’s Disciplinary Board officially awarded the game to Nigeria. The board cited breaches of “Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations” as well as “Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code” as the basis for its decision. As part of the ruling, the LFF has also been fined USD 50,000 for these regulatory breaches.

1. The CAF Disciplinary Board outlined its findings and decision in a formal notification letter dated October 26, 2024, under the reference “Notification of the terms of the Decision DC23175 – QAFCON – 23.10.2024.” The letter details the penalties against Libya, stating:

1. The LFF breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

2. The second-leg match of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers between Libya and Nigeria, designated as match No. 87, is declared forfeited by Libya, awarding a 3-0 victory to Nigeria.

3. The LFF must pay a fine of USD 50,000.

4. The fine is to be settled within 60 days of the decision notification.

5. All other appeals or requests for relief from the LFF are dismissed.

The LFF now awaits a hearing on the appeal, hopeful that CAF will reconsider its judgment and revoke the penalties imposed. This legal battle highlights the tension surrounding AFCON qualifiers as federations strive to secure their standings and pursue their path toward the tournament.