AFCON: Rio Ferdinand makes strong case for the tournament’s reputation

Former England international Rio Ferdinand has called for major leagues to respect the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar by taking a break.

The former Manchester United defender said there is a need for the leagues to go into recess when AFCON finals are underway as is the case with UEFA European Championship, COPA America and CONCACAF.

The well-known pundit released a video via his x.com space Rio Ferdinand Represents that the absence of African players from the top leagues dilutes its quality.

“African players are so prominent these days, playing on the biggest stage. There are so many African players in the Premier League, other European Leagues and Champions League in the big leagues,” he explained.

Rio Ferdinand’s AFCON argument

With the AFCON finals underway in Morocco, the Manchester United legend noted that most leagues have been affected in terms of their quality because they are being deprived of the African stars.

“So when these players are leaving, it is diluting the quality of the Premier League, La Liga and all other leagues,” Ferdinand explained.

“So, there has to be a push for this league to be put in around the same time as the other tournaments. The Euros, Copa America and CONCACAF, why are they playing when the other tournaments are off, but the African version isn’t?”

Ferdinand’s remarks come as most clubs in Europe complain about the timing of AFCON, saying it coincides with their calendars. This follows a mass exodus of African stars back to their continent to represent their respective national teams.

The ongoing AFCON has pooled African superstars drawn from top teams such as Liverpool FC’s Egyptian forward Mohammed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen who plays club football for Galatasary FC.

The competition has now reached the Round-of-16 with players for the eliminated teams instantly flying back to their respective clubs.