On Sunday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided against approving Tripoli International Stadium for hosting continental matches, a decision that underscores ongoing security challenges in Libya.
The decision was disclosed following a recent inspection visit by a CAF delegation to Libya’s capital, aimed at evaluating the stadium’s suitability to end a decade-long hosting ban.
Security issues, particularly highlighted by disturbances involving Al Ahli Tripoli fans during a recent Libyan Super Cup match, played a pivotal role in the CAF’s decision. These incidents revealed significant fan control challenges, prompting CAF to express several reservations to the Libyan Football Federation about the stadium’s suitability.
The inspection team, including experts Mustafa Al Salawi from Morocco and Siny Ababacar from Senegal, assessed the stadium with hopes of reintegrating Libya into the international football community. This move came after an initial 2021 visit led by Gabriel Hamidou, which resulted in improvements being made to address previously noted concerns.
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.
The political upheaval following the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi plunged Libya into a state of flux, adversely impacting various facets of life, including sports. The national and club teams have been hosting their “home” matches abroad due to safety and infrastructure concerns.
Efforts to get Tripoli International Stadium back on the list of CAF-approved venues were seen as a potential turning point for Libyan football, promising to bring the thrill of international matches back to Libyan soil. However, CAF’s recent refusal, grounded in unresolved security issues, casts a shadow over these aspirations.
This development not only affects Libyan football’s immediate prospects but also reflects the broader challenges facing the country on its path toward stability. Ensuring the safety of sports venues goes hand in hand with broader security and governance reforms needed in Libya.
