On Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced an imminent review to lift the decade-long ban on Tripoli International Stadium. This development signifies a crucial milestone in enabling the stadium to host both continental and international fixtures for Libya’s clubs and national teams.
The ban, imposed on Libyan stadiums in the summer of 2014 due to the country’s political fragmentation and security issues, has seen a glimmer of resolution as the situation has notably improved. In a significant step towards normalization, CAF partially lifted the ban in March 2021, allowing Benghazi’s Martyrs of Benina Stadium to serve as a venue for the Libyan national team and its clubs’ matches.
Mohamed Gureimida, CAF’s technical observer, revealed that a high-level delegation from CAF is due to arrive in Tripoli shortly. Their mission is to conduct an inspection of the Tripoli International Stadium, which has undergone two years of refurbishment and upgrades, making it match-ready for hosting international competitions involving the national squad and local teams.
The CAF delegation’s inspection, scheduled to start on Thursday, aims to thoroughly assess the stadium’s preparedness to accommodate international sports events. Gureimida explained that the two-day visit would culminate in a comprehensive report, based on which CAF will decide whether to fully lift the ban on the stadium.
This decision, expected within a week of the delegation’s return, could end the more than ten-year sports embargo that has shadowed Libyan stadiums amid the nation’s security challenges.
This promising turn of events is poised to reinvigorate Libyan football, offering a beacon of hope for the return of major football activities to Libyan soil. It reflects significant progress in the country’s journey towards stability and reconstruction, promising fans the thrill of international matches in their own backyard after years of waiting.
