Former England international Rio Ferdinand has called for greater respect for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), highlighting the lack of recognition the tournament receives on the global stage.
“It should be respected more than it is, but what I would say is the lack of resources put into it… the narrative from the media that comes out is that it is a Mickey Mouse tournament,” Ferdinand said during a podcast on Monday.
The 46-year-old’s comments come in response to fellow English pundit Jamie Carragher, who recently suggested that Mohamed Salah’s participation in AFCON hindered his chances of being recognized as the best player in the world. Carragher’s remarks came after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
Despite these criticisms, AFCON 2024 shattered viewership records, reaching a global audience of 2.2 billion, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This significantly surpassed the viewership of the Super Bowl in the United States, which averaged 123.4 million viewers that same year, a difference of nearly 1.8 billion.
In addition to breaking television records, the tournament also experienced a massive increase in digital engagement, recording 2.1 billion digital interactions, 3.1 billion TikTok video views, and 12.5 million Instagram views.
Ferdinand dismissed the negative perceptions surrounding AFCON, arguing that they stem from ignorance. He emphasized that the competition has produced some of football’s greatest talents, including Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah, and Sadio Mane.
“That comment is representative of the majority of people out there, and I don’t think that is right. That is ignorant. If you look at players like Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah, and Sadio Mane, the tournament means everything to them. It is a demand in their country to win it.”
While Ferdinand acknowledged that AFCON does not receive the same level of resources as the UEFA European Championship or Copa América, he stressed that this should not devalue the tournament’s significance.
“Yes, it doesn’t get the same backing resource-wise as the Euros, but that doesn’t mean it should be devalued. Africa is a continent of huge footballing power and has contributed immensely to European football. The number of players from Africa excelling in Europe is staggering,” he said.
The former Manchester United defender also urged FIFA to play a more active role in elevating AFCON’s status, arguing that the tournament deserves the same recognition as the Euros and Copa América.
“I understand what Jamie is saying, but I don’t agree with it. The reality is that the majority of people think this way, and it needs to change. FIFA should work towards implementing a narrative that places AFCON on equal footing with the Euros and Copa América.”
Ferdinand also pointed out the disparity in how AFCON achievements are perceived in individual accolades, particularly the Ballon d’Or voting.
“If Mo Salah wins the Africa Cup of Nations, it would have no bearing on the Ballon d’Or voting, and that is wrong. In 2022, when Sadio Mane finished second, it didn’t influence the votes either. When captains, managers, and the media make their top-three picks, they don’t consider where a player finished in AFCON. That’s what needs to change.”
Salah, who has yet to win AFCON, has finished as a runner-up twice, in 2017 and 2021.
Ferdinand concluded by urging football’s governing bodies, media, and the global football community to recognize and promote AFCON with the same prestige as other continental tournaments.
“The language, the media, and FIFA need to start reinforcing the importance of AFCON. It should be taken as seriously as Copa América and the Euros,” he said.
