Libya fined, Nigeria declared winner in CAF ruling on Benghazi controversy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has awarded Nigeria three points and three goals from the recent AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya, which was initially set for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi.

This decision follows the discovery that Libya violated several CAF regulations, resulting in the match being forfeited to Nigeria with a score of 3-0.

CAF’s ruling highlighted Libya’s failure to adequately welcome the Nigerian team and provide the necessary facilities, prompting Nigeria to withdraw from the match. This was deemed a violation of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

Additionally, the Libya Football Federation has been fined $50,000, which must be paid within 60 days, and all other appeals have been dismissed.

Below is CAF’s full ruling:

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.