Libya: Are European Football Clubs Sportswashing Libyan Abuses?

Sporting Clubs Should Not Launder the Reputation of Unaccountable Abusive Groups

On the evening of October 10, two European football giants played a friendly match amid much fanfare in the newly renovated Benghazi International Stadium, to the spectators’ delight. Altético Madrid beat Internazionale Milan 4-3 in a penalty shootout to take home the “Reconstruction Cup.” The teams reportedly received €3 million each.

The catch? The match was hosted by Khalifa Hiftar, commander of the abusive…