Libya has been given the green light to host international matches on its territory after the Emergency Committee of the African Confederation Football (CAF) lifted the restrictions on Friday.
“CAF has set 10 March 2021 as deadline for Libya to comply with the CAF club licensing, safety and security requirements and to satisfy follow-up inspections on the stadium’s suitability,” read a statement on CAF’s official website.
The African football governing body said that the committee followed a safety, security and stadium inspection in both Tripoli and Benghazi from 8 to 15 February 2021, as well as further deliberation on the situation in the country.
Libya’s national team and its clubs competing in African club competitions have been forced to host their matches in countries like Egypt, Mali and Tunisia since the ban was imposed.
An initial restriction was imposed in 2011 during the unrestful period then was lifted briefly in 2013 before being reimposed.
Since it’s disputed elections in 2014, Libya has been split between competing political and military factions in the west and east of the country.
“Football matches will now return to Libya, beginning at Benghazi Stadium, subject to a number of conditions being met on stadium suitability to host CAF matches,” CAF said in their statement on Friday.
