Carragher Backtracks on AFCON Comments: “I Was Clumsy and Wrong”

By Awambeng Fuh 

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Former England international Jamie Carragher has apologized for his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), admitting that he misrepresented the tournament’s importance and was “clumsy” in his wording.

Carragher faced widespread criticism after claiming on Sky Sports that AFCON is not a major tournament, sparking a backlash from football figures including Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand. The latter labeled his stance “ignorant,” highlighting the significance of AFCON to African players and their nations.

In a bid to clarify his remarks, Carragher appeared on CBS Sports’ Golazo Show, acknowledging that his language was poorly chosen and pledging to be more careful in the future.

“I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d’Or, but I was clumsy describing AFCON as not a major tournament,” Carragher said. “I should have been more precise, particularly given the significance of AFCON to African players and their nations.”

Carragher’s revised stance comes after weeks of intense criticism, with many highlighting AFCON’s role in shaping some of the world’s greatest players. The tournament has produced African legends like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Abedi Pele, and remains a key battleground for national pride and footballing excellence.

While Carragher maintains that AFCON has historically not influenced Ballon d’Or voting, his admission of error and commitment to choosing his words more carefully suggest a willingness to acknowledge African football’s rich heritage and its global significance.

“I didn’t intend to offend anybody, and I know I’ve done that in the past,” Carragher said. “But that was certainly not the case this time. I hope I’ve addressed the issue, and I’ll strive to be more careful with my words in the future.”

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