Gernot Rohr calls for sanctions against Libya over “traumatic experience”

Benin’s national football coach, Gernot Rohr, has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take decisive action against Libya, citing severe mistreatment of the Beninese delegation during their recent visit to Tripoli.

The incident occurred during the sixth and final matchday of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers and has left the Franco-German coach deeply shaken.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Rohr shared his harrowing account of what has been dubbed the “Libyan hell.

Describing the events, the former Nigeria coach recounted the chaos and threats faced by the team following their match.

What happened in Libya was really crazy.

I have never experienced a situation like what happened after the match in Tripoli.

It was a crazy reaction from the public and the police who came to attack us.

Imagine being locked in the locker room.

We were left traumatized,” Rohr stated.

The dramatic events unfolded in an environment of heightened tension, where the players, coaching staff, and officials reportedly endured aggressive behavior from both the crowd and local security forces.

The situation escalated to the extent that the team was confined to the locker room, unable to safely exit the stadium for an extended period.

Rohr has since called on CAF to relocate Libya’s future international fixtures to neutral venues, arguing that the current conditions in the country are unsafe for hosting competitive matches.

It is dangerous and risky to play international matches in a country where there is political instability, where there is no security, and it could easily have led to a tragic outcome,” Rohr emphasized.

The incident has sparked wider concerns about player and staff safety in politically unstable regions.

While international football is often seen as a unifying force, events like these highlight the challenges and risks involved in organizing matches in volatile areas.

Rohr’s appeal to CAF underscores the need for stringent measures to ensure the safety of all teams, officials, and supporters.

The governing body has yet to respond publicly to the allegations or announce any potential investigation into the matter.

#JourDeQualif : “Les policiers libyens ont sorti leurs matraques pour nous taper dessus” 😱
Gernot Rohr raconte le calvaire vécu par son équipe en Libye après le match 😢 pic.twitter.com/w8vs1F0W5N

— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) November 20, 2024

Benin’s experience in Tripoli has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a straightforward qualifier, bringing into sharp focus the responsibility of football’s governing bodies to prioritize security and protect the integrity of the sport.

As discussions around the incident continue, the football community awaits CAF’s response to Rohr’s impassioned plea for justice and change.