Introduction to the Incident
The South Sudan men’s football team, also known as the Bright Stars, experienced a distressing situation at Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya. Upon arrival, the team was left stranded for three hours, which led to some players feeling sick. This incident is the second of its kind in five months, following a similar experience by the Nigerian national football team in Libya.
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The Bright Stars had traveled from Egypt to Libya to face Sudan in the second leg of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. According to the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), the team was expected to meet a representative from the Sudanese side to facilitate their entry into Libya. However, the Sudanese coordinator failed to show up, leaving the team stranded at the airport.
Stranded at the Airport
The situation became more concerning when the Libyan migration authorities seized the players’ passports, citing the absence of South Sudanese coordinators as the reason. The team was left with no choice but to wait for three long hours, unsure of what would happen next. Eventually, the migration officers allowed the team to exit the airport without their passports, which remained with the authorities as a guarantee.
Aftermath and Concerns
The experience had a significant impact on the players, with many feeling sick, exhausted, and mentally affected. The SSFA expressed its disappointment and concern over the lack of support and coordination from the Sudanese side. The association called on FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure accountability for the incident, emphasizing the importance of upholding commitments to player welfare.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time a foreign football team has been abandoned at an airport in Libya. In October 2024, the Nigerian national football team was locked in a remote airport for 12 hours, leading to a fine of $50,000 for the Libyan Football Federation and the awarding of three points to Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Training and Preparations
Despite the challenging start to their trip, the Bright Stars resumed their preparations for the match against Sudan. The team was seen in a training session at the Benina Martyrs International Stadium, with Valentino Yuel Kuach, who plays for Libya’s Murooj FC, joining the national team.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the need for better coordination and support between football associations, particularly when it comes to the welfare of players. The SSFA’s call for accountability and action from FIFA and CAF is a step towards ensuring that such incidents do not happen in the future. The Bright Stars’ experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by football teams when traveling for international matches and the importance of prioritizing player welfare and safety.
