President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, has resigned from his position during a routine meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly.
According to The Libya Observer, an online publication based in Tripoli, the decision was announced on Sunday, and the resignation was confirmed in a post on their website on Monday.
Al-Shalmani’s resignation comes amidst growing controversy surrounding the mistreatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. The Nigerian team had been stranded for over 15 hours at an airport in Libya, reportedly facing ‘inhumane conditions’ and security concerns, prompting them to threaten to boycott the match.
In his resignation speech, Al-Shalmani reflected on the challenges that plagued his time in office, saying, “I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports.” He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Federation during his tenure and expressed his gratitude to his colleagues. “I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added.
Despite stepping down, Al-Shalmani defended his legacy, asserting that his contributions to international, Arab, and African football were undeniable. “I have a history in the International, Arab and African Federation, and no one can deny that,” he stated.
The timing of Al-Shalmani’s resignation raises further questions as Libya faces increased scrutiny over its handling of the upcoming AFCON qualifier. The Nigerian team had been expected to play Libya on Tuesday but raised concerns about safety following their ordeal at the Al Abraq airport. However, the Super Eagles have decided not to participate in the match due to these ongoing issues.
