Jamie Carragher Faces Backlash After Downplaying AFCON's Importance in Ballon d'Or Debate

Jamie Carragher has recently faced criticism for remarks suggesting that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not a major football tournament.

During a Sky Sports discussion on Mohamed Salah's prospects for the Ballon d'Or, Carragher implied that Salah's participation in AFCON might hinder his chances compared to players involved in tournaments like the World Cup or European Championship. He stated, "I think the problem [is] the fact he's with Egypt, and he's probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe not got a great chance of winning." 

This perspective was promptly challenged by fellow pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge, who emphasized that AFCON is indeed a major tournament. Richards remarked, "AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know." 

The debate intensified when Rio Ferdinand criticized Carragher's viewpoint as "ignorant," advocating for greater respect and recognition of AFCON's significance. 

In response to the backlash, Carragher clarified his comments on social media, stating that his intention was not to devalue AFCON but to highlight the perceived disparity in how different tournaments are weighted in Ballon d'Or considerations. He explained, "The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d'Or."