Rio Ferdinand defends AFCON after Carragher’s controversial remarks

London, (UK):- Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand voiced his support for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in his podcast after Jamie Carragher downplayed its importance.

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, dismissed AFCON as a “major tournament,” claiming that Mohamed Salah’s lack of success in such competitions could hinder his chances for the Ballon d’Or. 

The former Liverpool and England defender argued that Egypt, Salah’s national team, is unlikely to win the World Cup, which he sees as a key factor for top individual awards.

But Ferdinand, known to be rivalry with the former Red responded by saying Carragher’s opinion represented a narrow view that is common in the football world. 

“AFCON deserves respect,” he stated, emphasizing that the tournament is prestigious and that many in football, including players like Salah, value its significance.

The debate has sparked strong reactions from others. Former Egyptian footballer Ahmed Elmohamady, who won AFCON twice with his national team, criticized Carragher’s comments on social media, pointing out that Carragher has never won a major tournament himself.

Elmohamady, who was part of Egypt’s 2008 and 2010 AFCON-winning teams, called Carragher’s remarks “ignorant.”

The controversy comes as AFCON’s 2025 edition in Morocco looms, set to begin in December. 

This will be the tournament’s first time in Morocco since 1988. Despite criticism, Carragher’s dismissal of AFCON is far from the end of the debate, as many argue that the tournament remains one of the continent’s most prestigious football events.