The General Refereeing Committee of the Libyan Football Federation has announced the referees for the first round of the Premier League matches, which will kick off on Wednesday with four games in the cities of Az Zawiyah, Tripoli, Ajdabiya, and Benghazi.
The Refereeing Committee assigned referee Mohamed Al-Zarrouq to officiate the Al-Watan vs. Al-Madina match in Group One competitions, and assigned referee Abdulmajeed Mokhtar to lead the Al-Zahra vs. Al-Khums match.
In Group Three competitions, referee Mohamed Al-Shahoumi was assigned to manage the encounter between Al-Taawon and its guest Al-Suqoor, while referee Miftah Al-Alami will officiate the Al-Hilal vs. Darnes match held at the Benina Martyrs Stadium.
Libyan Football Federation
The Libyan Football Federation is the governing body for football in Libya, founded in 1962. It oversees national teams and domestic competitions, though its operations have been disrupted by political instability and conflict in the decades following Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.
Premier League
The Premier League is the top professional football division in England, founded in 1992 when clubs from the Football League First Division broke away to form a new commercially independent league. It has since grown into one of the world’s most popular and lucrative sports leagues, known for its global fanbase and competitive nature.
Az Zawiyah
Az Zawiyah is a city in northwestern Libya, historically known for its role as a center of Islamic learning and Sufism, particularly associated with the Senussi order in the 19th century. Its name, meaning “the corner” or “religious lodge,” reflects its origins as a site for religious retreat and education.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Historically, it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and has since been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic center, the medina, contains significant landmarks like the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Red Castle (Assaraya al-Hamra).
Ajdabiya
Ajdabiya is a city in northeastern Libya, historically significant as a major crossroads for trans-Saharan trade routes and a center for the Senussi religious movement in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It later became a key strategic location during the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a center of trade and culture since its founding as the Greek colony of Euesperides. It played a pivotal role in the 2011 Libyan Civil War as a key base for the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.
Al-Watan
Al-Watan is a cultural and entertainment destination in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which opened in 2017 as part of the King Salman Park development. It is designed as a modern celebration of Saudi heritage, featuring interactive exhibits, gardens, and artistic displays that showcase the nation’s history, culture, and future aspirations.
Al-Madina
Al-Madina, also known as Medina, is a city in Saudi Arabia of profound religious significance in Islam. It is the site where the Prophet Muhammad migrated in 622 CE, establishing it as the first capital of the Islamic community and the location of his tomb within the Prophet’s Mosque. This migration, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Al-Zahra
Al-Zahra, also known as Madinat al-Zahra, is the archaeological site of a magnificent fortified palace-city built in the 10th century by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III. Located near Córdoba, Spain, it served as the de facto capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba and a powerful symbol of its political and cultural prestige. The city was largely destroyed during a civil war in the early 11th century and lay buried until its systematic excavation began in the 20th century.
Al-Khums
Al-Khums is a coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically significant as the site of the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna. Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a prominent city of the Roman Empire, with many well-preserved ruins including a theater, basilica, and arches. The modern city of Al-Khums developed nearby and serves as a gateway to this major archaeological treasure.
Al-Taawon
Al-Taawon is a Palestinian professional football club based in the city of Al-Khader, near Bethlehem. Founded in 1973, the club has historically been a significant part of the local community and competes in the West Bank Premier League.
Al-Suqoor
Al-Suqoor is a historic fortress located in the Asir Region of southwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its distinctive stone and mud-brick construction. It served as a defensive stronghold and administrative center, reflecting the traditional Najdi architectural style and the region’s history of tribal governance.
Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1957. It is one of Asia’s most successful clubs, with a record number of Saudi Professional League titles and Asian Champions League victories. The club has a deep-rooted rivalry with Al-Nassr and is historically associated with the city and royal support.
Darnes
Darnes is a historic coastal fortress located in the city of Cartagena, Spain, originally constructed by the Carthaginians around 227 BC. It was later expanded and used by successive powers, including the Romans and Byzantines, primarily for its strategic defensive position overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Benina Martyrs Stadium
Benina Martyrs Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Benghazi, Libya, primarily used for football matches. It was originally named after former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser but was renamed in 2011 to honor those who died during the Libyan Civil War. The stadium serves as the home ground for the Libyan national football team and local club Al-Ahly Benghazi.
