The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into the cancellation of an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has promised appropriate measures if the Libyan Football Federation is found guilty of mistreating the Nigerian team.
Motsepe stressed that CAF will not tolerate any form of misconduct toward visiting teams. He noted that the organisation is determined to address long-standing issues where visiting national teams or clubs are mistreated during international events.
“We are proud of those nations that treat visiting teams with the respect and dignity they deserve. But if rules are violated, we will act,” Motsepe warned.
Without commenting directly on the Nigeria-Libya incident, Motsepe confirmed that a proper investigation is underway.
“Appropriate action will be taken,” he assured.
Motsepe pointed out that there have been recurring instances where teams are subjected to unfair treatment, such as being held up at airports or facing dubious COVID-19 tests targeting key players.
Reflecting on the broader problem, Motsepe stated:
“I’ve heard too many stories of a football club or a national team goes to a country, you spend hours at the airport, and they ask you about documents that don’t exist. And apparently during COVID, they would look at who the best players are from your national team and say, those 10 players, they’ve got COVID. And you say, but we’ve just been tested.
“No, no, no, no, they’ve got COVID. But it’s this lack of sportsmanship that has existed, and we haven’t taken effective action. So I just want to repeat, we are proud of those nations that treats visiting national teams and visiting football clubs with the respect and dignity that they deserve, but also who treat them in the same way they want to be treated when they visit those countries,” he said.
Motsepe stressed the need to review existing regulations to ensure fairness and promote sportsmanship across African football. He concluded by emphasising CAF’s commitment to fairness and respect, urging host nations to treat visiting teams as they would expect to be treated when playing abroad.
“I just want to repeat, we’re reviewing those laws, and we want to emphasise sportsmanship. When a national team from another country visits or a football club visits, treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve. And if there are violations of those regulations and those rules, we will take action,” he said.