The CAF Disciplinary Board has finally given its verdict over the 2025 AFCON Qualifier between Libya and Nigeria which was supposed to hold on October 15, but was forfeited.
A gruelling 15-hour Airport hostage situation forced the Nigerian team to pull out of the game, and accused Libya of intentional sabotage.
Stranded: Super Eagles players left in the Al Abraq Airport for 15 hours. The Players and team officials slept on seats. Photo | X
The situation degenerated into a diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Separatist government in the East of Libya.
Eventually, after it obliged to the request of delisting the match, CAF proceeded to investigate both Country’s claims.
On Saturday, CAF announced the Disciplinary Board’s decision and it was in favor of Nigeria.
Points were awarded to Nigeria and the Libya Football Federation fine a hefty sum.
Senegalese Judge, Ousmane Kane is the President of CAF Disciplinary Board. Photo | senego
Here we look at the Articles which Libya violated as quoted in official CAF document.
Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations
RECEPTION REQUIREMENTS
The following minimum requirements for reception should be strictly respected:
31.1. Reception at the airport: A Committee formed of the officials of the host association must be at the airport to meet the visiting delegation and must provide all facilities
for the entry formalities in the country. One official of the host association, who speaks
the language of the visiting delegation, will be at the disposal of the visiting delegation
and will act as liaison officer between the two associations.
31.2. Transport Facilities: One bus for the players and one car for the officials will be
put at the disposal of the visiting delegation from the time of their arrival to that of
their departure. Any additional vehicles are subject to an agreement between the two
associations.
31.3. Accommodation: the visiting association is responsible for organizing, securing
and covering financially the accommodation of its team.
31.4 The host federation is obliged to assist the visiting team for the reservation of
the rooms
31.5. Security measures: The police service of the host association must ensure the
security of all the visiting delegation’s members as well as the referees and the commissioner designated to officiate the match. The police service must prohibit any
invasion of the field and any attack against the players or the officials, inside and
outside the stadium.
31.6. Seeing the visiting team off: Officials of the host association shall see the visiting
delegation off at the airport and shall facilitate all formalities for departure.
The CAF Disciplinary Code
Article 82
PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT
National associations, clubs, officials and members, as well as their players, shall respect the
principles of loyalty, integrity, sportsmanship and ethics.
Article 151
SECURITY FOR ORGANISATION OF MATCHES
1. National associations that organise matches shall:
a) assess the degree of risk posed by matches and notify the CAF bodies of those that are
especially high-risk;
b) comply with and implement existing safety rules (FIFA and CAF Regulations, national laws,
international agreements) and take every safety precaution demanded by circumstances
before, during and after the match;
c) ensure the safety of players and officials of the visiting team during their stay;
d) keep local authorities informed and collaborate with them actively and effectively;
e) ensure that law and order are maintained in the stadia and immediate surroundings and
that matches are organized properly.
f) Ensure that all dangerous objects and/or lasers are not allowed in the stadium or in the
areas surrounding it by conducting searches of spectators.
2. National associations are held responsible for the behaviour of their supporters (especially
with regard to throwing missiles and invading the pitch) and auxiliary staff.
