The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slapped Libya with a $50,000 fine and ordered them to play two matches behind closed doors after a series of misconduct incidents during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin in Benghazi on November 18, Soccernet.ng reports.
The latest sanction is yet another disciplinary blow for Libya, just weeks after they faced widespread criticism for their treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in October.
In that instance, Libya diverted Nigeria's aircraft to a reportedly unsafe airport, an act that sparked outrage and drew CAF’s attention.
In a similar vein, Benin complained that they were attacked and beaten by Libyan coaches and police officers after the final whistle of their AFCON qualifier in November. Benin forced a goalless draw in Tripoli to qualify for AFCON 2025 ahead of the Libyans.
A statement released by CAF confirmed Libya’s punishment for their ill-treatment of Benin:
“The CAF Disciplinary Board charged the Libyan Football Federation with misconduct following incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers fixture against Benin in Benghazi on 18 November 2024. The CAF Disciplinary Board found the Libyan Football Federation guilty of violating articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for the behaviour of its supporters and officials during and after the match.
“The Libyan Football Federation was ordered to play its next two (2) official national team matches behind closed doors, and the CAF Disciplinary Board imposed a fine of USD 50,000 on the Libyan Football Federation.”
Benin Also Sanctioned
Despite being victims of Libya’s alleged poor treatment, Benin did not escape CAF's wrath.
The Beninese Football Federation was charged with non-collaboration with CAF’s disciplinary body during their qualifier against Rwanda, a breach of Article 45 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
As a result, Benin received a $5,000 fine for non-cooperation and an additional $50,000 fine—of which $25,000 is suspended—for the misconduct of their officials following the match.
Separate Rulings
In other disciplinary decisions, CAF rejected Guinea’s appeal to have Tanzania disqualified from the 2024 AFCON.
Guinea had argued that Tanzanian substitute Ibrahim Ame wore an unregistered shirt number (26) during a qualifier, but CAF ruled that the evidence provided was insufficient to warrant Tanzania’s expulsion.
A Pattern of Controversy
Libya’s troubles with CAF date back to their October clash with Nigeria, when the Super Eagles’ flight was controversially diverted to Al-Abraq Airport.
OCTOBER 11: Frank Onyeka of Nigeria and Libya defenders during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Libya at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 11, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
CAF labelled Libya’s actions as “inhumane treatment,” though Libyan officials countered with accusations of poor hospitality during their visit to Nigeria.
These disciplinary actions highlight CAF’s intensified crackdown on misconduct as the continent prepares for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
