Intisar Shneib has become the first woman to take charge of a football club in Libya after accepting the presidency of Darnes Club, marking a historic development in the country’s sporting landscape.
Shneib, a member of Libya’s House of Representatives representing Derna, confirmed in remarks to Al-Masar television channel that she had agreed to assume leadership of the club following calls from supporters who wanted her to step into the role.
Darnes Club, one of Libya’s oldest sporting institutions with a history spanning more than 67 years, had been without a president since the resignation of former chairman Adel Al-Hassi and the departure of the entire board in early May.
The leadership vacuum came after the club failed to reach the championship stage of the Libyan Premier League this season, prompting a full administrative resignation.
Shneib’s appointment has triggered significant debate within Libyan sporting circles, with opinions sharply divided over the historic decision.
Former Libyan international goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Amami publicly criticised the move, writing on his Facebook page: “We respect you as a representative if the news is true, but Darnes still has men, and for me it will be a disgrace to an institution led by men.”
However, others have defended the decision, arguing that competence rather than gender should determine leadership roles in sport.
Sports journalist Mustafa Al-Mazoughi rejected claims that the appointment was controversial, stating: “Libyan women have reached the highest positions and deservedly in most fields for a long time, and there is nothing new in that. Therefore, I do not see any mistake, flaw, or forbidden thing in any committed, qualified, and capable Libyan woman taking on the responsibility of leading the administrations of clubs, whether it is Darnes Club or any other sports club in Libya.”
Supporters of the move have also voiced strong backing for Shneib’s leadership. Football fan Fathi Amouila wrote: “What’s the problem if Intisar Shneib is able to provide the financial resources that the club needs? Sometimes a woman is worth a thousand men.”
Darnes Club itself has endured a turbulent period in recent years. The team returned to Libyan football this season after a two-year absence, during which it was forced out of competition due to the severe damage inflicted on the city of Derna.
The club’s facilities and infrastructure were heavily affected by Storm Daniel in September 2023, which devastated large parts of the city and led to the suspension of sporting activities. As a result, Darnes remained closed to both players and supporters for an extended period.
Against this backdrop of recovery and rebuilding, Shneib’s appointment is being viewed as part of a broader effort to restore stability and ambition to the historic club.
While debate continues over her appointment, the decision has undeniably opened a new chapter in Libyan football history, with Darnes Club now entering a period of transition under its first female president.
