Libya stripped of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

25 August 2014

Continuing violence means tournament is now looking for new host

Libya is no longer due to host the Africa Cup of Nations due to delays to construction projects as the country wrestles with ongoing militia wars in its two biggest cities.

On Saturday 23 August the Confederation of African Football announced it is inviting new bidders for the tournament, saying countries wishing to host the competition have until 30 September.

Ahead of the games Libya had been planning to build 11 stadiums at a cost of $314m, but much of the planned construction work in the country has been paralysed by fighting between rival militia factions.

In February of this year Libya unexpectedly won the African Nations championship, beating favourites Ghana 4-3 in penalties after the game ended 0-0 in extra time.

The victory was Libya’s first ever international football title.

Optimists hailed the event as proof that Libyans from different regions could cooperate to rebuild the country, but since the country won the championship fighting has escalated and security has declined.

Dozens have been killed and thousands have been displaced in Tripoli since the latest round of militia fighting started in the city on 13 July.

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