JUST IN: Libyan Football Federation President, Al-Shalmani resigns

The President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, has announced his resignation from his position.

The Libya Observer, an English and Arabic online newspaper based in Tripoli, said Al-Shalmani made the announcement at the regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly, saying: “I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports.”

“We faced difficulties during the previous period. I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector”, he added at the meeting held on Sunday.

Al-Shalmani expressed his conviction in everything he presented during the last period, continuing: “I have a history in the International, Arab and African Federation, and no one can deny that.”

Al-Shalmani’s resignation comes in the wake of the crisis resulting from the treatment of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, during their trip to Libya for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier second leg.

The Super Eagles were reportedly stranded at the airport for hours, leading to widespread condemnation from Nigerian officials.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has commenced investigation into the matter.