CAF Sanctions Libya Again After Police Assaults Benin Republic Players (Photo)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and mandated the country to play its next two matches without fans in attendance.

The sanction follows incidents of misconduct during and after Libya’s 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Benin Republic in Tripoli on November 18.

Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin Republic team, described the ordeal faced by the Squirrels at the hands of Libyan police and supporters after the game. According to Rohr, his players were attacked with batons by local authorities, and videos circulating online showed team members nursing injuries with ice packs after an alleged assault in the dressing room.

The match ended in a goalless draw, a result that secured the Benin Republic’s spot in the 2025 AFCON while leaving Libya at the bottom of the qualification group.

CAF’s disciplinary board, in its ruling, found Libya guilty of violating articles 82 and 151 of its disciplinary code due to the actions of its supporters and officials.

This latest sanction comes just three months after Libya faced similar punishment for misconduct during another AFCON qualification campaign involving Nigeria.

In that incident, the Super Eagles’ flight to Benghazi was diverted to Al Abaq airport, where the players and coaches were held for over 20 hours without access to food or drinks. CAF penalized Libya with a $50,000 fine, awarded Nigeria three points and three goals, and declared the match forfeited in favor of the Super Eagles.