Benghazi Unveils New Stadium Under General Haftar

In an event that brought together football legends and local leaders, Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city, celebrated the grand reopening of its newly reconstructed International Stadium on Thursday. The high-profile ceremony, attended by a packed crowd and eastern Libya’s warlord Khalifa Haftar, marked a significant step toward revitalizing the city’s sports infrastructure and fostering national unity.

A Star-Studded Celebration

The ceremony featured appearances by some of the world’s most iconic football stars, including England’s Michael Owen, Brazilians Roberto Carlos and Julio Cesar, and Portugal’s Luis Figo and Nani. Their presence added a touch of global glamour to the event, drawing cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. Also in attendance was Belgacem Haftar, one of Khalifa Haftar’s sons and head of Libya’s Reconstruction Fund, who has played a key role in the stadium’s restoration.

In his address, Khalifa Haftar emphasized the stadium’s significance as a symbol of unity for Libya. “The Benghazi international stadium belongs to all Libyans,” he declared, describing it as a place that brings people together despite the country’s ongoing challenges.

Libya remains divided between the internationally recognized Tripoli-based government, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east backed by Haftar. For more on Libya, check out Libya Stories.

A Step Toward Normalcy

The newly reconstructed stadium boasts a capacity of 42,000 spectators, a significant upgrade from its previous 28,000-seat capacity. This expansion not only enhances the fan experience but also positions Benghazi as a potential host for major international football events. The reopening follows the March 2023 unveiling of the Tripoli International Stadium, which underwent two years of renovations under Dbeibah’s administration.

For many football-loving Libyans, the reopening of the Benghazi stadium represents a hopeful step toward normalcy in a city that has endured years of conflict. Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled long-time dictator Muammar Qaddafi, Libya has grappled with political instability and armed conflict. The stadium’s revival is a testament to the resilience of the Libyan people and their passion for the beautiful game.