CAF has strongly condemned Jamie Carragher for dismissing AFCON as a minor tournament. His remarks sparked widespread backlash, with Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge defending AFCON’s significance. CAF responded with a viral post reinforcing its importance, reigniting debates on the recognition of African football globally.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has strongly criticized former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for downplaying the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). During a Sky Sports discussion, Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were slim because Egypt does not play in a “major tournament.”
His remarks sparked an immediate backlash, with former Manchester City defender Micah Richards swiftly correcting him, emphasizing that AFCON is a highly prestigious tournament. Daniel Sturridge also weighed in, asserting that AFCON holds the same significance as the Euros or Copa America in global football.
Carragher doubled down on his stance by questioning Egypt’s World Cup competitiveness, implying that only the biggest international tournaments influence Ballon d’Or selections.
CAF responded with a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), stating simply: “Major Tournament. That’s the tweet.” The response was widely shared, with many fans and analysts defending AFCON’s status in global football.
The controversy has reignited debates on the perception of African football and its recognition in the sport’s global hierarchy. Many critics argue that the dismissal of AFCON highlights the ongoing underappreciation of African football despite its rich history and global impact.
