Morocco opens 35th Africa Cup of Nations with spectacular light show. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Appeal to authority

Using the opinion of an authority figure as persuasive support without critical context.

“This will be the best ever Africa Cup of Nations!” FIFA president Gianni Infantino proclaimed in French while standing beside a portrait of Moroccan king Mohammed VI.

3 suggestions

Clarify that this is a subjective promotional statement: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the tournament in promotional terms, calling it ‘the best ever Africa Cup of Nations.’”

Add balancing context: “Such claims are common from officials at major sporting events and are typically promotional rather than based on measurable criteria.”

Avoid implying endorsement by the outlet: “Infantino said, without providing specific criteria, that it would be ‘the best ever Africa Cup of Nations.’”

Sensationalism

Use of exaggerated or overly grand language to create excitement rather than inform.

“This will be the best ever Africa Cup of Nations!” “The country has embarked on one of the most aggressive infrastructure buildouts in African sporting history to establish itself as a soccer power.”

3 suggestions

Qualify the superlative claim as opinion: “Infantino predicted it ‘will be the best ever Africa Cup of Nations,’ a claim he did not substantiate.”

For the infrastructure claim, either provide data or soften the phrasing: “The country has undertaken a major infrastructure buildout in recent years to strengthen its position as a soccer power.”

Add sourcing for the ‘most aggressive’ claim: “According to [specific report or governing body], Morocco has undertaken one of the largest recent infrastructure programs in African football.”

Unsubstantiated claims

Presenting strong or comparative statements without evidence or clear sourcing.

“The country has embarked on one of the most aggressive infrastructure buildouts in African sporting history to establish itself as a soccer power.”

3 suggestions

Add specific evidence: “The country has embarked on a major infrastructure buildout, including renovating nine stadiums and investing approximately [figure] in training facilities, to establish itself as a soccer power.”

Attribute the characterization: “Officials describe this as ‘one of the most aggressive infrastructure buildouts in African sporting history,’ though comprehensive comparative data is limited.”

If evidence is not available, moderate the language: “The country has embarked on a significant infrastructure buildout in African football to establish itself as a soccer power.”

Framing effect / Favorable framing

Presenting information in a way that emphasizes positive aspects of one side without equivalent context for others.

“The Atlas Lions, as the home team is known, are among the favorites to lift what would be just their second Africa Cup title 50 years after their only success in 1976.” “Morocco is the highest-ranked African team at No. 11. The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022, and the country has embarked on one of the most aggressive infrastructure buildouts in African sporting history to establish itself as a soccer power.” “Algeria is the only other country apart from Morocco to have all its matches sold out.”

3 suggestions

Explicitly acknowledge the focus: “As host, Morocco receives particular attention, and the article highlights its recent achievements and investments.”

Provide more symmetrical context for other favorites: add one sentence each on recent achievements or rankings of Egypt, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, etc., to balance the detailed praise of Morocco.

Rephrase to be more neutral: “Morocco, the highest-ranked African team at No. 11 and a 2022 World Cup semifinalist, has invested heavily in football infrastructure.”