The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has once again found itself at the center of a heated debate, this time sparked by former England footballer Joey Barton. Barton, known for his outspoken nature, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy, dismissing AFCON as a major international tournament. His remarks follow a similar stance taken by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who suggested that AFCON does not hold the same prestige as other global competitions like the UEFA European Championship (Euros) or Copa América.

Joey Barton’s Stance

In a recent video statement, Barton backed Carragher’s stance, arguing that AFCON lacks worldwide significance beyond the African continent. “The Africa Cup of Nations isn’t a major championship. Copa América, the European Championship, and the World Cup are your major international tournaments. Unfortunately, AFCON isn’t one of them,” Barton said.

He further criticized the tournament’s quality, citing allegations of bribery, poor pitch conditions, and incidents of violence. Barton referenced past controversies, including the disallowed goal in Nigeria’s match against Ghana in 2010 and refereeing issues in the 2021 edition of the tournament.

“Don’t get me started on the quality of pitches and some of the attendances, but also the accusations of bribery over the years,” he added.

Security Concerns and Past Incidents

Barton also highlighted security concerns that have plagued AFCON in previous editions, recalling the 2010 attack on the Togo national team bus, which resulted in multiple fatalities. He contrasted these incidents with other international tournaments, claiming such occurrences are rare in the Euros or the World Cup.

“Apart from the African countries, it doesn’t capture the world’s imagination like some of the other major tournaments do.
You’ve also had Ebola outbreaks, like when Morocco pulled out in 2015. There was also fan violence that year, causing a game to be abandoned and restarted later.
And people forget that in 2010, the Togo team bus was attacked, and I think Emmanuel Adebayor was on it. Sadly, some people lost their lives. These are things you just don’t see at major tournaments.
The biggest one for me was in 2021-22 when a referee, who must have bought his watch from a street vendor, stopped a game in the 85th minute, restarted it, then stopped it again at the 89th minute — well short of the allotted time — and then tried to get the players back on the pitch. It was Tunisia on that occasion. You just don’t see things like that at major championships.
And if you don’t believe me, Sir Alex Ferguson, reportedly, refused to sign big African stars because of this tournament, as it falls in December and January, disrupting trophy-winning seasons,” Barton remarked.

Counterarguments and Defenses

Carragher’s remarks drew immediate criticism, with Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards strongly refuting his claims. “AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home are saying, ‘they aren’t taking it seriously.’ AFCON is a big tournament, just so you know,” Richards countered.

Former England striker Daniel Sturridge also dismissed Carragher’s stance, arguing that AFCON should be regarded at the same level as other continental competitions. “If you win the Euros or Copa América, it’s deemed to be big, so AFCON is at the same level,” Sturridge stated.

Barton’s Persistence and Additional Insights

Despite the backlash, Barton doubled down on his claims, insisting that AFCON lacks global appeal outside Africa and is not widely broadcast. “The TV doesn’t cover it. If it does, it’s buried on ITV 86,” he said.

He also referenced former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, claiming Ferguson reportedly hesitated to sign African players due to AFCON’s scheduling in the middle of the European season. This scheduling conflict is a significant factor, as it disrupts the European football calendar and can affect the performance of players during crucial domestic seasons.

For instance, Mohamed Salah, a key player for Liverpool, has often faced criticism for his participation in AFCON. Carragher had questioned whether Salah’s participation in AFCON could impact his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. “I think the problem is that he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament or has a great chance of winning,” Carragher had said during a Sky Sports broadcast.

Recent Developments and Future Implications

The debate surrounding AFCON’s status is not new. The tournament has faced numerous challenges, including logistical issues, security concerns, and allegations of corruption. These challenges have led to calls for reform and increased scrutiny from international football governing bodies.

In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the tournament’s infrastructure and security measures. However, the scheduling conflict remains a significant issue. The tournament’s timing in December and January disrupts the European football calendar, affecting the performance of African players in top European leagues.

This scheduling conflict is not unique to AFCON. The Copa América, for example, has also faced criticism for its timing, which often coincides with the European football season. However, the Copa América has a longer history and a more established reputation, which has helped it maintain its status as a major tournament.

Practical Applications and Recommendations

To address these challenges, it is essential to consider practical solutions. One potential solution is to reschedule AFCON to a time that does not conflict with the European football season. This would allow African players to fully participate in the tournament without disrupting their domestic seasons.

Additionally, increased investment in infrastructure and security measures can help improve the overall quality of the tournament. This includes better pitch conditions, improved refereeing standards, and enhanced security protocols to prevent incidents like the 2010 attack on the Togo national team bus.

Furthermore, increased broadcasting and media coverage can help raise the profile of AFCON and attract a wider global audience. This can be achieved through partnerships with major sports networks and digital platforms, ensuring that the tournament reaches a broader audience.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding AFCON’s status as a major tournament is complex and multifaceted. While the tournament faces numerous challenges, it also has the potential to become a more significant global event with the right reforms and investments. By addressing the scheduling conflict, improving infrastructure and security, and increasing media coverage, AFCON can enhance its reputation and attract a wider audience.