Libyan soccer players defect in symbolic blow to Qaddafi

A group of 17 leading Libyan football figures have defected to NATO-backed rebels. (File photo)

By JAMES M. DORSEY
AL ARABIYA

A group of 17 leading Libyan football figures have defected to NATO-backed rebels fighting to overthrow Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi.

The defectors include national team goalkeeper, Juma Gtat, three other national team members…