The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken significant steps to address misconduct and security lapses during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Recent sanctions include penalties for Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Benin, and several clubs participating in CAF competitions.
Key Sanctions:
- Equatorial Guinea: Faced a suspended fine of $25,000 and an additional $5,000 penalty for failing to provide adequate security during their match against Togo on November 14, 2024. The lack of security led to pitch invasions by supporters.
- Libya: Ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors and fined $50,000 due to supporter and official misconduct during their match against Benin on November 18, 2024.
- Benin: Fined $5,000 for non-cooperation and an additional $50,000 (with $25,000 suspended) for official misconduct during their qualifier against Rwanda.
CAF's Stance:
CAF's disciplinary actions reflect a strong commitment to maintaining order and upholding the integrity of its tournaments. The sanctions aim to curb disruptive behavior and reinforce security standards across participating nations and clubs.
Ongoing Developments:
Nigeria was cleared of any wrongdoing during the qualifiers, topping Group D alongside Libya, Benin, and Rwanda. The CAF Disciplinary Board continues to address various incidents, emphasizing the importance of fair play and safety in African football.