Devastating Floods in Libya Claim Lives of Elite Footballers: 2,300 Dead, Including 4 Players and Thousands Missing
The devastating floods in Libya have taken a toll on the lives of several prominent football players, as confirmed by the Libya Football Federation (LFF). The internationally-recognized government in Tripoli has reported a death toll of at least 2,300, while the eastern administration, in control of Derna, claims to have found over 5,300 bodies. The number of missing individuals is estimated to be in the thousands.
According to the LFF, four footballers in the region have tragically lost their lives. Shaheen Al-Jamil, Monder Sadaqa, and brothers Saleh Sasi and Ayoub Sasi have all been officially declared deceased. Sadaqa played for the Premier League team Darnes, based in Derna, where the Sasi brothers were part of the youth team. Al-Jamil had recently signed with Al-Tahaddi, another Premier League club in the city of Benghazi.
Adding to the heartbreaking news, it has been learned that Ibrahim Al-Qaziri, another footballer, also lost his life in the floods. Al-Qaziri had played for various Libyan Premier League teams and had most recently been associated with the second-tier side Nusour Martouba.
Darnes, one of the two teams based in Derna along with Al-Afreky, has suffered significant damage to its stadium, which had recently been rebuilt after being destroyed during the civil war. The stadium holds great historical value for the city.
The Libya Football Federation expressed its grief and condolences for the players and all the victims of this tragic disaster, as they stated, We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. In light of the devastating events, the federation has decided to suspend upcoming meetings in order to focus on preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Several clubs in Libya have taken proactive steps to assist the flood victims, including sending convoys carrying essential supplies and food to the affected area. Additionally, it has been revealed that Al-Ahly Benghazi and Al-Hilal, Libyan clubs in the African Champions League and African Confederation Cup respectively, have requested the Confederation of African Football to postpone their forthcoming matches. Al-Ahly’s match against ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast is currently scheduled for Sunday.
The impact of these floods has not only devastated lives but has also disrupted the sporting community in Libya. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the nation mourns the loss of its elite footballers and thousands of others who have been affected by this natural calamity.
