Jamie Carragher backtracks on ‘Afcon is not a major tournament’ comment

Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher has sought to explain his comments on Sunday, when he said the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is not a major tournament.

The 47-year-old Sky Sports pundit was talking about current Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, and why he felt he wouldn’t win a Ballon d’Or award.

The Egyptian Salah routinely represents his nation at Afcon, while other stars like Kylian Mbappe play in the Euros,

Though he was trying to get that point across, Carragher haphazardly gave his assessment of Afcon.

Not a major tournament

“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 got a great chance of winning,” said Carragher.

“I think it's out of the Champions League with the major tournament that wins it, the player who excels in that, like Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe right now.”

Since he made those comments, Carragher has faced a severe backlash on social media.

As a result, he quickly clarified on Monday the argument he was trying to make.

“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 Balon D’or.

If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don’t think he would win the Balon d’or,” said Carragher on X.

“Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments.

But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity.

“It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them. Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport