Gaddafi, who is the son of the country's leader, is a Juve fan and recently acquired his share through his company Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company (Lafico).

But he stated this purchase, costing some 23m euro, was only the beginning.

"The current stake that we own is just a starting point as over the next few years we are seeking to hold 20 percent of the shares," he said.

And he confirmed that he had made the link with Juve as part of a plan to develop Libya's football talent.

"This cannot be considered a financial deal. Libya believes in sport and in its youth and Juventus will help us to develop the enormous potential of our football."

"We really want to qualify for the 2006 World Cup."

Libya are one of Africa's weaker sides and are currnetly ranked 116th in the world.