Following Nigeria's Super Eagles’ ordeal at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, is expected to investigate and address the situation, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian squad was left stranded for hours after their flight was diverted from Benghazi without proper reception or transportation from Libyan authorities.
As tensions rise, CAF’s disciplinary measures may come into play.
Based on CAF’s Disciplinary Code, both Libya and Nigeria could face various outcomes, depending on the investigation's findings.
1. Fines and Financial Penalties
CAF frequently imposes fines for breaches of protocol or unsporting behavior. In this case, Libya could be fined if found guilty of mishandling the Nigerian team’s arrival.
Previous fines for similar offenses have reached up to $10,000.
Libya’s failure to provide proper reception for the Super Eagles may fall under inadequate hosting, which could lead to sanctions.
2. Security-Related Penalties
Libya may face further penalties regarding airport security and the logistical arrangements for the Nigerian delegation.
CAF emphasises the importance of secure and hospitable environments for visiting teams.
If Libya is found responsible for endangering the Super Eagles’ safety, CAF could impose additional fines or order future matches in Libya to be played behind closed doors.
3. Reprimands and Warnings
A formal warning or reprimand is also possible if CAF determines that Libya’s actions were not severe enough for harsher sanctions but still violated competition regulations.
Additionally, Nigeria could receive a warning if their responses were deemed non-compliant with CAF’s procedural expectations.
As CAF reviews this matter, its ruling could set a precedent for future treatment of visiting teams, ensuring fairness and safety for all.
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