By Kwame Bediako
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has eaten his words after sparking controversy with his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher had stated that AFCON was not a “major tournament” while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or. However, he has now admitted that he was “clumsy” in his description and acknowledged that he “got it wrong”.
Carragher’s initial comments were widely criticised, with many pointing out that AFCON is Africa’s premier football competition. The former Liverpool defender has since addressed the backlash on CBS Sports’ Golazo Show, clarifying that his remarks were meant to highlight the historical European bias in Ballon d’Or voting. “That’s not an opinion; that’s a fact based on who has won the award over the past 40 or 50 years,” he explained.
Despite his clarification, Carragher acknowledged that he should have been more careful with his language. “I should have been much more careful with my language. That’s something I’ll reflect on,” he said.
Carragher reiterated his support for Salah’s Ballon d’Or campaign, acknowledging that the Egyptian forward remains a strong contender for the award.
One Response