The Traffic

"CAF Reconsiders Rules as Judgment Nears on Nigeria-Libya Airport Saga: Will Sanctions Be Imposed?"

Yakubu Haruna Yakubu 

As the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to deliver its long-awaited verdict on the airport debacle involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya’s national football team, a fresh report reveals that CAF is rethinking its rules ahead of the ruling. The incident, which occurred during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, left the Nigerian team stranded for over 20 hours at Libya's Al Abraq Airport, sparking international outrage and prompting CAF to investigate.

With the decision expected soon, talks have intensified around potential sanctions for both teams, and speculation is swirling about how the judgment will shape future matches on the continent.

According to a report by Inside World Football, CAF’s disciplinary committee is reviewing its guidelines on the treatment of away teams, which were at the center of the Libya-Nigeria clash. This review aims to clarify the federation’s stance and introduce stronger protections for visiting teams to avoid similar situations in the future.

Both countries could face significant penalties, ranging from fines to stadium bans or even points deductions, depending on the committee's ruling. Libya, in particular, is under scrutiny for violating Article 31 of CAF’s rulebook, which outlines the responsibilities of host nations in ensuring the proper reception of visiting teams. By failing to provide the necessary hospitality, the Libyan Football Association could face harsh repercussions.

This high-profile case has sparked widespread conversation about the conduct of host nations and the role of CAF in enforcing rules that guarantee fairness and safety. As football fans await the final verdict, the outcome could set a powerful precedent for how similar situations are handled across Africa’s biggest football tournaments.

For now, all eyes remain on CAF, as their ruling will determine not just the fate of the two teams involved, but potentially reshape how future fixtures are governed on the continent.