Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has reignited debate over the global football calendar as the Africa Cup of Nations takes place this winter in Morocco.
The former England defender criticized the decision to keep major European leagues, especially the Premier League, running during AFCON, arguing that it harms the quality of competitions with more than 40 African players currently absent from England’s top flight.
In a video posted on X, Ferdinand said African players have become pillars of Europe’s biggest clubs and that their departure to national teams inevitably weakens domestic leagues. He questioned why AFCON is not scheduled in the same period as the European Championship or Copa America, when leagues are already paused.
Ferdinand went further in his written comment accompanying the video, writing that leagues “should be suspended” during AFCON so the level of competitions is not diluted by the absence of African stars.
His stance goes against the usual European narrative that often criticizes the timing of the tournament, instead calling for greater respect and proper space in the football calendar for Africa’s showpiece event.
