German football legend Franz Beckenbauer (pictured) has agreed to become an 'ambassador' for Libya as the hosts of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 68-year-old was attending a ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone of a stadium in Tajoura, which is being built by Austrian firm PORR.
Libya FA member Mabrouk AlMisrati told BBC Sport:
"Mr Beckenbauer promised he will do whatever he can to help Libya make this event something special ... We have chosen him because he is one of the great players during the ages."
Libya was due to host the tournament in 2013 but it was switched to South Africa due to security concerns; Libya is now planning to host the 2017 event in place of South Africa.
In addition to the new stadium at Tajoura, organisers say there will be two more venues in Tripoli, two in Benghazi and one in Misrata.
(Source: BBC Sport)
(Tender image via Shutterstock)
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