Libyan Team Mysteriously Absent in Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea —  With the clock ticking down toward the opening of the Olympics, the Libyan team was mysteriously absent today after it was prevented from leaving Tripoli.

Officials aren’t sure whether the absence is due to the boycott in support of North Korea, a mix-up in arrangements or some other reason.

Libya’s team was told in Tripoli that it cannot go to Seoul, and it never left the country, sources in Seoul said.

The team was gathered with its Olympic uniforms at its hotel the night before its scheduled departure last Sunday when it was informed of the decision, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of confidentiality.

Seoul Olympic officials confirmed that none of the 12-member team had checked into the Olympic Village by today, four days after the squad was due to arrive.