Rehabilitating the sports infrastructure in Libya and the return of international stadiums: a study into the role of Maghreb sports diplomacy and modernizing facilities

1. The return of Libyan stadiums to international conformity (Tripoli and Benghazi)

After years of the Libyan national team and Libyan clubs playing their continental matches away from home, efforts to rehabilitate the Tripoli International Stadium and construct the new Benghazi International Stadium with modern engineering and security standards succeeded in obtaining official approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The modernization work included the installation of modern-generation natural and hybrid grass floors, electronic gates to regulate the entry of fans, changing rooms and media centers conforming to the FIFA promotion booklet, which restored the spirit of the Libyan stadiums that are passionate about football.

2. The “six-party” system and the experience of joint organization in the Maghreb and Europe

The Libyan Football Association devised a competitive formula to determine the champion of the Libyan Premier League through the “Six-Coronation” stage, versions of which were held in the stadiums of Tunisia and Italy with the presence of international arbitration and video assistant technology (VAR), before the readiness of the national stadiums to host major demonstrations locally was enhanced.

3. Sports diplomacy and technical cooperation between Libya and the countries of the Maghreb

Sports have emerged as a vital bridge to strengthen Maghreb fraternal ties. The Libyan League witnessed the influx of dozens of stars, coaches and physical trainers from Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, in parallel with cooperation agreements to exchange experiences in the field of training referees, sports medicine, and management of sports facilities.