Jamie Carragher & Afcon ‘disrespect’ row explained
To understand the value of AFCON, all you have to do is listen to some of the greatest players of all time. Legends like Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba – or big stars are still in action, such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez.
Their trophy cabinets are filled with medals and titles from European club football, but AFCON means everything to them.
Comparison will always be compared to the quality of the Euro and Copa America, but – like those tournaments, even the famous and largest countries, it is difficult to win trophys.
I’ve lost the number of favorites of the game that collapsed under pressure or against the tough conditions of the so-called smaller football country.
Drogba never won a championship despite playing the golden generation of Ivory Coast talents. Salah hasn’t lifted the trophy yet, and I can still imagine his destructiveness after losing the finals in 2017 and 2021.
Organizers also argue that interest in competitions around the world has been increasing. I also feel like I was on the Ivory Coast in the previous version.
It was one of the most exciting things in the dramatic storyline where the host fired their manager on the group stage, and then made an extraordinary comeback and won the final. On the ground, of course, it is bigger than ever.
Yes, there have been a lot of problems in the past that have damaged the reputation of the game. For example, late location changes, such as when Egypt hosted in 2019 instead of Cameroon, which was not yet ready. Or change the schedule, for example the next edition will be held in June and July, but will now begin before Christmas.
Then there are difficulties in infrastructure, security or organization. However, similar issues have also affected the Euro and the Copa America in recent years.
I’ve been finding complaints about the game taking place in the middle of the European season. Yes, it’s frustrating for the club But why should European games decide African football? Weather conditions also make it hosted in June and July in certain parts of the African continent.
The game may not be as respected as it deserves in some parts of the world, but after covering six sterns I got the impression of changing, and in the next edition of Morocco, football is now booming and will be more than ever Greater impact on the Ballon d’Or voting.
