The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated that the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a major tournament after it was downplayed by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.Carragher dismissed the tournament while discussing Mohamed Salahs chances of winning the Ballon dOr this year.Speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpools 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Carragher suggested that Salahs nationality and Egypts international record could hinder his chances of claiming footballs top individual award. I think the problem [is] the fact hes with Egypt, and hes probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning, Carragher said. I think its either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.I think its either the Champions League or the major tournament.His remarks immediately sparked backlash with former Manchester City defender Micah Richards swiftly correcting him that AFCON is indeed a prestigious tournament. Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying they arent taking it seriously. AFCON is a big tournament just so you know. Carragher responded by questioning whether Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup, implying that it is only the biggest international competitions that influence the Ballon dOr race. However, Sturridge shut down the argument, saying, If you win the Euros or Copa America, its deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level. Reacting, CAF shared a post on X with photos to show AFCONs importance.The post reads, Major Tournament. Thats the tweet. Major Tournament. Thats the tweet. #TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/oAU1kc7IVL CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 24, 2025 The post CAF fires back at Jamie Carragher for dismissing Africa Cup of Nations as ‘not a major tournament’ appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.CAF fires back at Jamie Carragher for dismissing Africa Cup of Nations as ‘not a major tournament’
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated that the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a major tournament after it was downplayed by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.Carragher dismissed the tournament while discussing Mohamed Salahs chances of winning the Ballon dOr this year.Speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpools 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Carragher suggested that Salahs nationality and Egypts international record could hinder his chances of claiming footballs top individual award. I think the problem [is] the fact hes with Egypt, and hes probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning, Carragher said. I think its either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.I think its either the Champions League or the major tournament.His remarks immediately sparked backlash with former Manchester City defender Micah Richards swiftly correcting him that AFCON is indeed a prestigious tournament. Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying they arent taking it seriously. AFCON is a big tournament just so you know. Carragher responded by questioning whether Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup, implying that it is only the biggest international competitions that influence the Ballon dOr race. However, Sturridge shut down the argument, saying, If you win the Euros or Copa America, its deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level. Reacting, CAF shared a post on X with photos to show AFCONs importance.The post reads, Major Tournament. Thats the tweet. Major Tournament. Thats the tweet. #TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/oAU1kc7IVL CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 24, 2025 The post CAF fires back at Jamie Carragher for dismissing Africa Cup of Nations as ‘not a major tournament’ appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
