Following Jamie Carragher's dismissive comments about the Africa Cup of Nations, ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has demanded more respect for it.
With Liverpool star Mohamed Salah netting 30 goals and providing 21 assists in 38 games across all competitions so far this season, the Egyptian forward has emerged as a potential contender for the Ballon d'Or.
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He has been a very influential figure for the Reds as they remain in the hunt for silverware on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
However, Carragher suggested that Salah is at a disadvantage in the Ballon d'Or race due to his nationality, appearing to dismiss AFCON as a major international tournament compared to the UEFA European Championship or Copa America.
Ferdinand, however, disagreed with that line of thinking and called for a shift in perspective regarding the significance of the continental competition.
"That comment is representative of the majority of people out there who would say that. I don't think that's right," Ferdinand said on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents.
"I think that's an ignorant kind of thought process because the Africa Cup of Nations, if you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto'o, down to the players now, Mahrez, Mo Salah, Mane – they'll tell you, 'We have to win this.' It's a demand in their countries to win this.
"Yes, it doesn't get back resources-wise like the Euros, etc. But that doesn't mean you have to devalue it. It's a continent of huge power. A continent that contributes to European football through players immensely, massively."
The former England international highlighted the significant role African players have played in European football and argued that AFCON should receive the same level of recognition as other major tournaments.
"The number of players representing football clubs in Europe and winning things from the African continent is crazy. It is a ridiculous amount of players. So it should be respected more than it is," he added.
"We've had some African players that came out and have actually canned it for the lack of resources, hotel rooms, and what goes on. Flight issues, etc.
"Then obviously, the narrative from the media becomes that it's a Mickey Mouse tournament, but it's not. I understand what Jamie's saying, but I don't agree with it.
"The majority of people out there do think that about the Africa Cup of Nations, but I think federations like FIFA need to make sure that they implement a way of thinking and language around the African nations that actually equals the Euros and the Copa America.
"What Jamie was trying to say as well, where again, I think he's right in what he's saying, because that is what happens. If Mo Salah won the Africa Cup of Nations, that would have no bearing on anyone's voting when they vote for the Ballon d'Or, which is absolutely wrong."
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