Former Algerian national team star Karim Ziani has voiced his profound incomprehension and indignation over the omission of Riyad Mahrez from the trio of finalists contending for the coveted African Ballon d’Or.
The decision, sparking a cascade of reactions, particularly resonated within Algeria, where Mahrez’s absence from both the Team of the Year and the African Ballon d’Or continues to fuel impassioned discussions.
Ziani, articulating the sentiments echoed by many, contends that Mahrez, having achieved monumental success with Manchester City as the 2023 Champions League victors, indisputably merited a place on the prestigious podium.
“Incomprehensible” Omission
Ziani, speaking in a recent interview for ShootAfrica, shared his perspective on the perplexing exclusion, stating, “From the moment you won everything on the European scene, with the best club in the world last season, you are obliged to be on the podium.
Afterwards, what are the criteria, how, why and who voted, I don’t know.”
Emphasizing the glaring achievement of Mahrez with Manchester City, Ziani asserted, “For me, he has to easily be in the top three, if not the best. His absence is incomprehensible. If we follow the criteria, Riyadh should easily be the (African) Ballon d’Or.”
Controversial Decisions
Ziani’s sentiments echo the widespread disappointment and confusion among fans and observers of African football.
The exclusion of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou further intensified the debate, questioning the selection and voting processes employed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The controversy surrounding these decisions underscores the need for transparency and clarity in the selection criteria for prestigious awards like the African Ballon d’Or.
The recent CAF Awards ceremony crowned Victor Osimhen as the individual trophy recipient, ahead of renowned figures like Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.
As discussions continue, the football community is left pondering the intricacies of the selection process and the factors influencing the recognition of outstanding achievements in African football.
