TRIPOLI: The Libyan government has suspended sporting ties with Egypt and Algeria without giving a reason, according to a letter addressed to top sports officials and seen by AFP on Wednesday.
"It is strictly forbidden to play any match in a sport of any kind against any Egyptian or Algerian team," read the letter dated May 25 and addressed to the chairmen of the Libyan Football Federation and the Libyan Olympic Committee.
Libyan football teams are furthermore called on to seek government authorization before they can play against teams from fellow Arab countries.
Recent encounters between Libyan athletes and counterparts from Egypt and Algeria have not given rise to any incident that would normally warrant such a reaction.
In 2013 Libya is scheduled to host the African Nations Cup for the second time in its history after 1982.
