AFCON
Libya accuse Nigeria of manipulations
Libyans have alleged that Nigeria unduly escalated the controversial Africa Cup of Nations match to shore up its image in the international community. According to Libya Akhbar, “It has become clear that the crisis has a dimension that goes beyond sporting rivalry, as many have argued that Nigeria is no stranger to such manoeuvres.
“Libya has faced similar situations over many years of accusations and political practices that often have economic and strategic backgrounds.
“Some observers attribute this escalation to Nigeria’s attempts to strengthen its sporting presence in the face of fierce competition, using issues of sovereignty and competition as means to achieve its national interests.”
Continuing, Libya Akhbar reports that the “options available to the Libyan Federation appear to be many, starting from filing legal appeals with the International Court, to resorting to the diplomatic path through international sports bodies to demand a fair and transparent investigation.
“The Libyan Federation believes that official escalation is the best way to stop what it described as the “great injustice” that the team was subjected to.
“Sports were not the only issue that dominated this crisis; rather, it became clear that the issue affected Libya’s dignity and sovereignty.
“The Nigerian accusations submitted to CAF affected Libya’s standing and caused sporting embarrassment on the African scene.
“Therefore, many voices were raised inside Libya calling for not being lenient in this file and working to restore the Libyan national team’s rights and establish its international presence.
Anger rules in the land following the Confederation of African Football award of the controversial Libya-Nigeria match to Nigeria. According to reports in Libya, the football federation is currently studying the ruling.
After that, it intends to go directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Hours, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rolled out its decision on the controversy-ridden Libya versus Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, the Libyan Football Federation, has filled its appeal.
Sports Village Square had earlier reported that the Libyans, sensing their bad case, had given notice of appeal, even before hearing and decision-making.
According to various Libyan sources, the Libyan Federation has expressed dissatisfaction, “pledging to resort to all international legal means to appeal the decision”.
One of the sources, Libya Akhbar, quoted the Libyan Football Federation’s Secretary-General Nasser Al-Suwai’i as blasting the CAF decision as “unjust”.
In the aftermath, the report has it that Secretary General Nasser Al-Suwaie confirmed that the Libyan Federation is studying the details of the decision issued by the Disciplinary Committee, indicating the possibility of escalating the matter to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport if this ruling, which he considers unfair, is not reversed.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The controversy and the waiting is over. The CAF Disciplinary Board has awarded the controversial Match Day 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations between Libya and Nigeria to Nigeria.
The Super Eagles now take firm control of Group D with 10 points and a goal surplus of seven. They are yet to concede any goal in the group.
The CAF statement on the issue reads: “The CAF Disciplinary Board met to deliberate on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier that was scheduled between Libya and Nigeria.
“The Disciplinary Board decided as follows:
1. Libya Football Federation was found to have breached Article 31 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
2. The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).
3. 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.
4. All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.
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