Libya hire Tunisian lawyer to appeal CAF sanctions awarding win to Nigeria

The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has officially appealed a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory in their abandoned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Soccernet.ng understands.

According to the Libya Review, the LFF has enlisted Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to argue its case, contesting both the match forfeit and an accompanying $50,000 fine.

The controversy stems from Nigeria’s challenging travel experience for the return leg of the AFCON qualifier against Libya, originally scheduled for October 15 in Benghazi.

The Super Eagles endured an 18-hour delay after their flight was redirected to Al Abraq Airport, roughly 300 kilometers from Benghazi, with no Libyan officials available to assist.

Following Nigeria’s 1-0 home victory in Uyo on October 11, CAF cancelled the away fixture, citing logistical and organisational failures on Libya’s part.

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Ousmane Kane, issued a verdict on October 26, which cited Libya for breaching Article 31 of the AFCON Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

CAF ruled that the cancelled match would be forfeited by Libya, awarding three goals and three points to Nigeria.

Additionally, the Libyan federation was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days.

In response, the LFF has voiced strong opposition to what it calls an “unfair” decision, which places Libya at the bottom of Group D with just one point.

A statement from the Libyan media suggests the LFF believes this verdict severely impacts their standing in the qualifiers.

The outcome of this appeal could notably influence the group standings, as Nigeria now need only one more point to secure their qualification for the AFCON finals in Morocco.