“UEFA Really Don’t Want AFCON to Be Played”: Details Emerge on Carragher’s Fuss

“UEFA Really Don’t Want AFCON to Be Played”: Details Emerge on Carragher’s Fuss

  • Jamie Caarragher left the football world fuming when he suggested that the AFCON is not a major tournament
  • The former Liverpool defender dissected Mohamed Salah's chances of becoming the best player in the world, but faulted the competitions the Egyptian plays in
  • A reporter from Argentina has suggested that Carragher's comments are not about the Englishman, but that UEFA are campaigning against AFCON

An Argentine journalist has expressed concerns over Jamie Carragher's recent comments, which have left the football community in Africa fuming.

Mikel Obi, Jay Jay Okocha, and El Hadji Diouf have demanded respect for the Africa Cup of Nations, with the superstars tearing into the Englishman.

GOAL reports that former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand also had his say, stating that Carragher’s comment is an example of a widespread but flawed viewpoint.

Jamie Carragher suggested that AFCON is not a major tournament
Jamie Carragher's comments about the AFCON have left fans fuming. Photo: Robin Jones.
Source: Getty Images

What did Jamie Carragher say about AFCON?

The former Liverpool defender suggested that Mohamed Salah's chances of becoming the best player in the world are slim because the Egyptian does not play in a major tournament.

Read also

Augustine Eguavoen berates Jamie Carragher after unsavoury AFCON comments

Carragher then suggested that the UEFA Euro and Copa America are major tournaments that have produced the best players on the planet.

His comments met with backlash from around the world and then the TV pundit took to his social media to explain further. He wrote on X:

"The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d'Or.
"If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don't think he would win the Ballon d'Or.
"Because I don't think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity."

UEFA really don't want AFCON to be played

A journalist from Argentina simply named Francisco has disclosed that it is about the context of Carragher's opinion.

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Chelsea star among 3 options for Eric Chelle as search for injured Semi Ajayi intensifies

The AFCON trophy
An Argentine journalist says UEFA officials have launched a campaign against the AFCON. Photo: Fareed Kotb.
Source: Getty Images

He added that UEFA officials are making a big campaign against the AFCON. Francisco told Legit.ng:

"I strongly believe that Carragher’s opinion is not about the level of competition. It’s about the context.
"The UEFA managers, leaders and journalists are making (many years ago to now) a big campaign against AFCON.
"That’s because AFCON´s calendar and UEFA’s calendar are simultaneous. UEFA really don’t want the AFCON to be played.
"They prioritise the club’s economical benefits over the sport and football. It seems that Carragher is shouting “Salah, stay in Liverpool and don’t go back to Africa.

Augustine Eguavoen slams Carragher

Legit.ng earlier reports that former Super Eagles handler Augustine Eguavoen has hit out at the English pundit over his controversial comments about the Africa Cup of Nations.

The NFF technical director stated that if anyone feels otherwise, well, he's entitled to his opinion.

Read also

Super Eagles legend Austin Okocha blasts Jamie Carragher over disrespectful AFCON comments

He added that Carragher's comments were rather disrespectful.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Babajide Orevba avatar

Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, AFCON, CAF Competitions as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng

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