Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has criticised Jamie Carragher for feedback that appeared to downplay the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a significant event, calling them “ignorant.”
The controversy arose following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester Metropolis on Sunday. Through the post-match dialogue, Carragher urged that Mohamed Salah’s probabilities of successful the Ballon d’Or have been hindered by the truth that he represents Egypt reasonably than a European powerhouse.
Salah has been in sensational kind, scoring 25 targets in 27 appearances and cementing his place because the sixth-highest objective scorer in Premier League historical past. Regardless of his achievements, he has by no means positioned greater than fifth within the Ballon d’Or rankings.
“I believe the issue is the very fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s in all probability not taking part in within the main event as such or possibly received a fantastic likelihood of successful,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports activities.
“I believe it’s both the Champions League or the main event [that wins the Ballon d’Or].”
His co-panelist Micah Richards was fast to problem the comment, responding: “I’ll simply say, AFCON is a significant event. Lots of people at house will say they’re taking that critically. AFCON is a significant event, simply so you realize.”
Rio Ferdinand later addressed Carragher’s feedback on his YouTube channel, echoing Richards’ stance and calling out the best way AFCON is usually perceived.
Salah/AFCON/Balon d’or!
The purpose I used to be making an attempt to make yesterday was that MO Salah is at a drawback taking part in for Egypt when it comes to him successful the Balon D’or.
If Salah had a median season at LFC however received the AFCON & was MVP I don’t assume he would win the Balon d’or.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 24, 2025
“That remark [Carragher’s] is consultant of the vast majority of folks on the market,” Ferdinand stated. “The vast majority of folks on the market would say that. I don’t assume that’s proper, I believe that’s an ignorant thought course of as a result of the [Africa Cup of Nations] … Should you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane they are going to let you know we’ve to win this.
“I perceive what Jamie is saying however I don’t agree with it. However I perceive that’s the majority’s fault and it’s not proper.”
Carragher rapidly hit again at Ferdinand, taking to social media to refute his claims.
Responding to Ferdinand’s publish on Instagram, he wrote: “I didn’t say that you simply clown, cease taking part in to the gallery such as you at all times do.”
Later, in a separate publish on X, Carragher clarified his place additional.
“The purpose I used to be making an attempt to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a drawback taking part in for Egypt when it comes to him successful the Ballon d’Or. If Salah had a median season at LFC however received the AFCON & was MVP I don’t assume he would win the Ballon d’Or.
“As a result of I don’t assume AFCON carries the burden of different tournaments. But when Mbappe had a median season at Actual Madrid however received the World Cup/Euros he would nonetheless have a fantastic alternative. It’s not disrespectful if I really feel the WC/Euros/CP are higher tournaments it’s simply my opinion once I watch them.”
He additionally acknowledged that his wording might have been higher.
“Saying it wasn’t a significant competitors was clumsy however I believe most individuals watching might perceive the purpose I used to be making an attempt to make.”
