6 Crucial Points As Libyan FF Releases Strong Statement After CAF’s Verdict Favours Nigeria

• CAF announced its verdict on the Libya vs Nigeria airport hostage saga after an investigation and hearing
• The decision awarded the Super Eagles three points and three goals and also fined the Libyans USD 50,000
• Expectedly, the Libyan FF has rejected the ruling and released a strong statement through its local media

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released its verdict on the Libya vs Nigeria airport hostage saga yesterday after weeks of investigation and hearing over the incident.

CAF ruled that Libya breached three ethics codes and awarded the Super Eagles three points and three goals. It also fined the Libyan FA $50,000, which is expected to be paid within 60 days.

According to Libya News 24, the North African country has rejected the verdict and published a strong statement to its local media detailing the next steps.

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YEN.com.gh analyses the six key points from the statement

Six key points from Libyan FA statement

1. The beginning of the saga

The statement reverts to the origin of the saga, which is the “alleged” dangerous rerouting of the Super Eagles' flight from Benghazi to Al Abraq, after which the players were held hostage for about 16 hours with no food or water. The incident was deemed to have broken fair rules.

2. Libyan FA rejects CAF ruling

The Libyan Football Federation has made no secret its intention to appeal the ruling if it doesn't go their way since the investigation was initiated. It is ready to potentially escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

3. Seeking diplomatic options

The federation also noted that it is willing to take the matter beyond its appeal at CAF, which has to be filed within a 72-hour window, and is ready to explore diplomatic options at the international sports level to defend the “great injustice.”

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4. Questions over Libya’s sovereignty

The federation believes the saga is not just a sports issue but also questions Libya's national dignity and sovereignty. It added that there are calls from within the country to fight for the national team’s rights and protect its international value.

5. Call for review of CAF's rules

The Libyans noted that the incident opened up the need for reform within the African sports system and called for a review of CAF’s legal framework to prevent similar issues and ensure fair judgement of all teams.

6. Commitment to CAF competitions

The Mediterranean Knights assures of its commitment to the organisation amid calls for a fair resolution which will allow participation in continental competitions without discrimination, which it feels it has been subjected to in the current case.

The specific rule Libya disobeyed

YEN.com.gh reported that according to Article 16 of CAF's regulations governing AFCON qualification: "

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The host team shall provide the visiting team with access to a training field for the entire duration of their stay, at the team's convenience."

Libya were found to be in clear violation of this requirement.

Further breaches are highlighted under Article 29 of the CAF rule book.

Source: Legit.ng