The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has demanded administrative and legal penalties against the Libyan team, Abu Salim.
The EFA filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after some players from the Libyan team assaulted Egyptian referee Mohamed Marouf during a game against Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The match was tied 2-2 until the 90+7th minute, with Renaissance Berkane scoring what seemed like a qualifying goal before it was disallowed. However, the Moroccan club scored again in the 90+15th minute, which Abu Salim’s players deemed excessive injury time.
Following the goal, there was a confrontation between Abu Salim players and Egyptian referee Mohamed Marouf, resulting in Marouf showing a red card to Abu Salim player Hussam Miftah Al-Abani.
Notably, 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 AFC African Cup, 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 has unveiled his ambitions for the World Cup qualifiers. “We have a realistic goal, which is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
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 Libyan Football Federation (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 Pyramids FC.
In June 2023, the former coach of the Libyan national football team, Hamdi Battaw resigned after failing to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
