Stop Complaining About Africa World Cup Participation – Utaka Cautions Gattuso

Stop Complaining About Africa World Cup Participation – Utaka Cautions Gattuso

Sampson Adedeji

Former Super Eagles winger John Utaka has cautioned Italian manager Gennaro Gattuso to stop complaining about Africa’s representation at the FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gattuso, a former AC Milan midfielder, recently voiced dissatisfaction over Africa being allocated automatic slots at the global showpiece and argued that Europe deserved more places.

His remarks sparked reactions across the football world, including a firm response from Utaka.

Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Utaka insisted that FIFA remains the final authority on World Cup participation and that the allocation of slots must be fair across the continents.

 “FIFA is the governing body that decides which country and what country should be at the World Cup. If everyone is complaining then it must be equal,” Utaka said.

He questioned why Europe continues to demand more slots despite already receiving the highest allocation.

“If you are giving Europe five then you give others five in general so we make it even. Why will Europe get more than the rest and he is still complaining? It does not add up. Call a spade a spade.”

The former Nigeria international stressed that qualification is earned on the pitch and not through entitlement.

“If there are sixteen teams and you cannot qualify then that is your problem. It is his own perception of how he sees things. I feel he is saying this maybe from frustration, I understand from that angle but saying this and that I disagree.”

Utaka clarified that despite respecting Gattuso both as a player and coach, the Italian’s comments were misplaced.

“I like him, no hard feelings as a player and coach, but I am stating facts and it is all about that.”

Africa currently enjoys increased representation at the World Cup following FIFA’s expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, giving the continent nine direct slots and one potential through playoffs.