Sports

CAF Fines Libya $50,000 and Imposes Behind-Closed-Doors Matches Over Benin Republic Assault

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 30th, 2024.

CAF Fines Libya $50,000 and Imposes Behind-Closed-Doors Matches Over Benin Republic Assault

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and ordered the country to play two home matches behind closed doors following an incident during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CAF cited “misconduct” by Libya during and after their match against Benin Republic on November 18 in Tripoli, which ended in a goalless draw. The result saw Benin qualify for the 2025 AFCON, while Libya remained at the bottom of their group, missing out on qualification.

Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, recounted how Libyan police reportedly assaulted him and his players with batons after the match. He further described how Libyan authorities and local fans attacked the Benin team following the final whistle. Disturbing footage online showed players from Benin Republic using ice packs to treat injuries sustained during the assault, including an attack that occurred in their dressing room.

CAF’s disciplinary panel found Libya guilty of violating its code of conduct, specifically Articles 82 and 151, due to the behavior of its officials and supporters during and after the game.

This sanction follows a similar punishment handed to Libya just three months earlier. In that incident, Libya was fined $50,000 and forced to forfeit a match after the Nigerian national team was detained at Al Abaq airport for over 20 hours without food or water before a match scheduled in Benghazi. As a result, Nigeria was awarded three points and three goals.