Libyan sports club Al Sawa’ed announced the death of football player Youssef Al-Hamali, who was a member of both the club and the national Olympic team.
Youssef Al-Hamali’s death occurred after he choked on his tongue while sleeping, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain. He remained in intensive care for several days before he passed away.
In response, the Al Sawa’ed club suspended all sporting activities for three days as a mark of mourning for the departed player.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) also expressed its condolences to the club and the sports community on the loss of player Al-Hamali.
In another context, the Libyan national football team maintained its position in the latest FIFA world rankings.
Libya’s national team ranks 120th globally for January 2024, the same as December 2023. This ranking follows three friendly matches played in January during the team’s external training camp in Turkey and Egypt.
The Libyan national football team, nicknamed the Mediterranean Knights, has a history of fluctuating fortunes in international football. They reached their pinnacle in 1982 by qualifying for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they finished as runners-up.
Although they have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, the team has shown resilience and potential in African football. The squad often comprises players from both local Libyan leagues and various international clubs, blending experience and emerging talent.
In December, head coach of the Libyan national football team, Milutin Micho Sredojević, unveiled his ambitions for the World Cup qualifiers. “We have a realistic goal, which is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the AFCON,” he stated.
He emphasised that “Libyan talents have the potential to achieve this goal, and what is needed is continuous effort and attention in the upcoming period.”
Earlier, the LFF announced the appointment of Micho as Head Coach of the national football team. Micho had a stint with Egypt’s Zamalek in 2019, where he secured the Egyptian Cup title by defeating the Pyramids football club .
In June 2023, the former coach of the Libyan national football team, Hamdi Battaw resigned after failing to qualify for the AFCON.
