Nigerian football icon, John Utaka has sharply criticised Italy head coach, Gennaro Gattuso for suggesting that Africa has been given “too many” qualification spots for the FIFA World Cup.
Utaka described the comments as “excuses” and insisted that Europe must not expect preferential treatment in global football.
Gattuso, speaking to the Italian media, lamented Europe’s allocation under the expanded FIFA World Cup format, which now allows nine African teams to qualify directly.
His comments, however, have been described as disrespectful and dismissive of the continent’s footballing progress.
“There were Two African Teams, Now There are Nine” – Gattuso Cries
The former AC Milan midfielder and World Cup winner voiced his displeasure with the new qualification structure:
“In my day, the best runners up went straight to the World Cup, now the rules have changed. To change the rules, you need to tell those who organize these tournaments.”
“Italy’s record of six wins in qualification?”
“You would have to ask the people who make the groups and the rules. In 1990 and 1994 there were two African teams, now there are nine.”
“It is not a controversy but there are difficulties and we know it well.”
“If we look at South America where six out of ten teams go directly to the World Cup and the seventh heads into a playoff with a team from Oceania, that does give you regrets and a certain sadness.”
“That is the disappointment. The system needs to change in Europe.”
Utaka hits back: “Why? It does not add up”
Reacting in an interview with Ifeanyi Udezi on Brila Net, former Super Eagles forward, John Utaka dismissed 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.”
“What he should concentrate on is winning most of his games.”
“It Must Equal” – John Utaka
Utaka further commented that, FIFA alone determines global slot allocations and argued that fairness is the principle guiding the new format:
“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.”
“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.”
“If there are sixteen teams and you cannot qualify then that is your problem. It is his own perception of how he sees things.”
“Maybe He is Frustrated” – John Utaka says Gattuso is wrong
While acknowledging Gattuso’s achievements both as a player and a coach, Utaka maintained that the Italian’s argument lacked merit.
“I feel he is saying this maybe from frustration, I understand from that angle but saying this and that I disagree.”
“I like him, no hard feelings as a player and coach, but I am stating facts and it is all about that.”
Utaka: A respected voice in African football
John Utaka is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest attackers of his generation.
He represented the Super Eagles at two FIFA World Cups (2002 and 2010) and enjoyed an illustrious club career with Lens, Rennes, Montpellier, and Portsmouth, winning both Ligue 1 and the FA Cup.
With global football embracing a more inclusive format for 2026 and beyond, Utaka believes Africa deserves stronger representation and respect on the world stage.
The debate over World Cup slots may continue, but for Utaka warns Europe to stop making excuses and focus on qualifying on the pitch.
