The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong response to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher following his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The ex-England international, now a pundit for Sky Sports, sparked controversy after downplaying the significance of Africa’s premier football tournament.
Carragher’s comments came in the wake of Mohamed Salah’s standout performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, where the Egyptian scored and provided an assist.
While discussing Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, Carragher suggested the forward might be at a disadvantage due to his participation in AFCON rather than what he described as a “big tournament.”
The problem is that he (Mohamed Salah) plays for Egypt… Not in a big tournament.
For the Ballon d’Or, you have to shine in the Champions League or in a major competition,” Carragher stated.
CAF defends AFCON’s prestige
CAF wasted no time in responding, strongly rejecting Carragher’s characterization of AFCON as anything less than a major international competition.
The governing body emphasized the tournament’s history, competitive nature, and global recognition, highlighting its role in shaping some of the greatest players in football history.
African football fans, former players, and pundits were also quick to condemn Carragher’s remarks, pointing to AFCON’s status as the continent’s most prestigious tournament and its impact on the careers of legends such as George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Salah himself.
With AFCON 2025 on the horizon, the debate has only intensified, reinforcing the tournament’s importance not just in Africa but on the global stage.
While Salah’s pursuit of the Ballon d’Or remains a topic of discussion, CAF’s swift response makes it clear that AFCON will continue to be recognized as a major international competition, deserving of the same respect as any continental championship.
