Utaka Fires Back at Gattuso Over Comments on Africa’s World Cup Places

Nigerian football legend John Utaka has strongly condemned Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso for suggesting that Africa has been allotted “too many” spots in the expanded FIFA World Cup format. Gattuso’s remarks, made to Italian media, questioned why Africa will now have nine direct qualifiers, a development he implied creates unfair challenges for Europe. His comments have drawn criticism across the continent, with many describing them as dismissive of Africa’s growth and competitiveness.

Gattuso argued that the new system disadvantages European teams, recalling earlier World Cup cycles when only two African countries participated. “In my day, the best runners up went straight to the World Cup… In 1990 and 1994 there were two African teams, now there are nine,” he said, adding that the situation “does give you regrets and a certain sadness” and that “the system needs to change in Europe.”

But Utaka, speaking on Brila Net with Ifeanyi Udezi, rejected Gattuso’s claims as baseless. “Why? It does not add up because if you look at this thing the way it is, it is the first time Africans have a large number of participants at the World Cup,” he said. He urged the Italian to “concentrate on… winning most of his games.”

Utaka stressed that World Cup slot allocations are solely FIFA’s decision and guided by fairness. “If everyone is complaining then it must be equal… Why will Europe get more than the rest and he is still complaining? It does not add up,” he stated, adding: “Call a spade a spade.”

While acknowledging Gattuso’s pedigree, Utaka suggested the coach’s comments may stem from “frustration,” but insisted, “saying this and that I disagree.”

A respected figure in African football, Utaka—who featured at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups—believes the expanded tournament should reflect global inclusivity. His message to Europe remains clear: qualify on the pitch, not through complaints.