There is credible reason to believe that Libya’s repeated logistical failures could be a form of psychological warfare—a tactic to unsettle visiting teams before they even step onto the pitch.
By Tuka Letura
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has long prided itself on fostering unity and fair competition across the continent. Yet, as incidents of mistreatment against visiting teams in Libya continue to recur, the organisation faces an urgent question: How many more teams must endure hostility, neglect, or outright intimidation before punitive action is taken?
The latest ordeal unfolded this past weekend when South Sudan’s national team arrived in Benghazi for matchday six of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Instead of the standard protocol—efficient customs processing, secure transport, and basic hospitality—the team was inexplicably detained at the airport for more than three hours. No explanation was given. No apology was issued. Just another bewildering delay in a country where such treatment has become routine for visiting squads.
This was not an isolated incident but part of a well-documented pattern of dysfunction—one that has seen Nigeria’s players held hostage for 20 hours without food or water, Benin’s coaching staff assaulted by security personnel, and multiple teams stranded for half a day or more due to bureaucratic incompetence.
The time has come for CAF to take a firm stand: Libya must be barred from hosting international matches until it can guarantee the most fundamental standards of professionalism and safety. Anything less would be an abdication of responsibility and a tacit endorsement of a system that has repeatedly failed visiting athletes and undermined the integrity of African football.
The case against Libya’s hosting privileges is not based on isolated missteps but on a series of egregious, recurring failures.
Take Nigeria’s experience in November 2024. Ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, the Super Eagles were detained at a Libyan airport in Benghazi under conditions that bordered on inhumane. Players and staff were denied food, water, and proper internet access for nearly an entire day. Fearing for their safety and well-being, Nigeria withdrew from the match—a decision later validated by CAF, which awarded them a 3-0 victory and imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya.
Yet, in a stunning display of defiance, Libyan authorities filed an appeal even before their fine and ban were officially imposed. The message was clear: Libya would not take accountability for its failings.
Then came Benin’s ordeal. After securing a historic AFCON 2025 qualification with a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Tripoli, the team was subjected to a gruelling 10-hour delay at the airport. Worse still, their German coach, Gernot Rohr, was physically assaulted by a police officer, leaving him bruised and shaken. Several staff members were also injured in the altercation.
Rohr, speaking to Canal+ after the incident, did not mince his words: “Benin provided a private plane for the team. But we had to wait and sleep for 10 hours at the airport while waiting for overflight authorisations from some countries, such as Mali. After the match, regrettable incidents occurred, with assaults on the staff”.
His account paints a picture of a nation either unwilling or incapable of meeting the most basic expectations of a host country.
The question now is whether these incidents stem from sheer administrative negligence or something more calculated.
There is credible reason to believe that Libya’s repeated logistical failures could be a form of psychological warfare—a tactic to unsettle visiting teams before they even step onto the pitch. Extended detentions, lack of nourishment, and chaotic conditions undoubtedly take a toll on athletes’ mental and physical readiness. If that is indeed the strategy, it constitutes a blatant violation of fair play.
One could also argue that the problem is systemic, a reflection of Libya’s fractured governance since the 2011 revolution. But neither explanation justifies inaction. If Libya cannot provide safe, professional conditions for visiting teams, it should not be granted the privilege of hosting them.
The issue is not exclusive to national teams either. In club football, visiting teams have repeatedly faced intimidation, logistical hurdles, and unsportsmanlike antics in Libya. Nigeria’s Rivers United’s experience in November 2022 is just one example in a long list of incidents where Libyan teams have exploited home advantage beyond the bounds of fair play.
So far, CAF’s disciplinary measures have been insufficient. A $50,000 fine and a forfeited match, while significant in a sense, have become minor penalties compared to the physical and psychological harm inflicted on players.
What is needed is a clear, enforceable policy: Any nation that repeatedly violates hosting standards should face suspension. Libya has had multiple chances to make amends. It has failed each time.
A temporary ban would send a powerful message—not just to Libya, but to all federations—that CAF will not tolerate the mistreatment of athletes. It would also compel Libya to implement concrete improvements: streamlined airport procedures, guaranteed security for visiting delegations, and transparent communication protocols.
Beyond the immediate injustices, these incidents damage the credibility of African football as a whole. Sponsors, broadcasters, and fans expect professionalism. When teams are subjected to hostile conditions, it erodes trust in CAF’s ability to govern the sport effectively.
Moreover, the financial repercussions are significant. Cancelled matches, legal disputes, and disrupted schedules create instability, deterring future investment in African football.
Going forward, CAF must bar Libya from hosting matches until an independent audit confirms that minimum hosting standards can be met. Host nations should be required to submit detailed logistical plans before fixtures are approved. Visiting teams must have guaranteed access to food, water, and medical care during any delays. When incidents occur, CAF must publicly disclose findings and enforce proportional punishments.
Football is meant to unite, not subject athletes to needless hardship. Libya’s repeated hostility demands more than fines or warnings—it demands serious consequences. CAF must act decisively. Ban Libya from hosting. Protect the players. Restore integrity to the game.
The beautiful game deserves nothing less.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.