Jamie Carragher admits ‘clumsy’ AFCON remark after backlash

Football analyst Jamie Carragher has responded to the backlash regarding his earlier remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations, which many interpreted as dismissive.

The former Liverpool defender faced criticism after he indicated that Mohamed Salah's prospects of winning the Ballon d'Or were limited due to his absence from a "major tournament," specifically referencing AFCON.

During a broadcast following Tuesday's Champions League matches, Carragher admitted that his wording was unfortunate.

"I would never want to be perceived as ignorant or disrespectful as a pundit. That was never my intention, whether it pertains to a player, a club, a country, a continent, or an international tournament," he remarked.

Carragher clarified that his comments were rooted in historical patterns of Ballon d'Or voting rather than a personal assessment of AFCON's importance.

"I misspoke by labeling AFCON as not a major tournament. My intention was to discuss the factors influencing Mo Salah's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, and I believe that not only AFCON but also events like the Asia Games and Gold Cup do not carry the same weight with the voters of the award," he explained.

He also pointed out that the voting for the Ballon d'Or has traditionally favored competitions such as the UEFA European Championship.

At times, it is easy to overlook that the Ballon d’Or was initially established as the European Footballer of the Year award, he remarked, suggesting that this historical context may shed light on possible biases in the voting process.

Carragher, a staunch advocate for Salah’s prospects in the Ballon d’Or race, recognized the criticism he has faced but stressed that it was never his intention to cause any offense.