Football pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has clarified his recent remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), acknowledging that he was “clumsy” in describing it as not a major tournament.
Speaking on CBS Sports’ Golazo Show, Carragher explained that his comments were made while discussing Mohamed Salah’s credentials for winning the Ballon d’Or. However, his phrasing led to criticism from fans and analysts who saw it as dismissive of Africa’s most prestigious football competition.
AFCON, which has a rich history and features some of the best football talents in the world, is regarded as a major international tournament by players, coaches, and football governing bodies. Carragher’s clarification comes amid growing recognition of African football’s influence on the global stage.
While he did not retract his initial statement, Carragher admitted that his wording was poorly chosen and that he did not intend to undermine AFCON’s significance. His remarks have sparked discussions on how African football is perceived in the wider footballing community.