However, Haftar’s son explained, in statements to Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, that he visited Sudan at the request of the Sudanese football club Al-Merrikh Sporting Club, which named Al-Siddiq Haftar as honorary president. Last February, Benghazi hosted a match between the Sudanese club and Egypt’s Zamalek at the Benina Martyrs Stadium. Al-Siddiq Haftar, whose father leads the Libyan National Army (LNA), said his trip to Sudan was in response to invitation by Al-Merrikh club presidency. Haftar’s son said he had a briefing meeting with Hemedti during his encounter with the club’s officials. Haftar’s son denied reports, which surfaced at that time, that made donations to the club.
