A coalition of football associations from Africa, the Caribbean and Central Asia has strongly criticised comments made by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, describing his remarks as dismissive of the aspirations and achievements of emerging football nations.
In a joint statement, the football associations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo and Haiti, supported by several African football federations including South Africa, rejected Čeferin’s characterisation of many World Cup matches as “uninteresting”.
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‘Profoundly disappointed’
The associations said they were “profoundly disappointed” by the comments and stressed that every World Cup match carries immense significance for the nations involved.
“For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match,” the statement read.
The signatories highlighted that for countries such as Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup would represent a historic achievement and the fulfillment of dreams shared across generations.
Meanwhile, nations such as Congo and Haiti view a return to football’s biggest stage after long absences as a moment of enormous national pride and significance for millions of supporters.
Years of sacrifice
The statement argued that dismissing these matches overlooks the years of sacrifice, investment and dedication required to reach the world’s premier football tournament.
“Behind every qualification stand years of work and investment. Behind every national team stand entire communities and millions of people who see football as a source of pride, hope and unity,” the associations said.
The group also defended the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing that the tournament’s appeal lies in its global nature and ability to unite nations from different cultures and football traditions.
“Football does not belong to a select group of nations. Its strength comes from its universality,” the statement continued.
Extends beyond sporting achievement
According to the federations, participation in a World Cup extends beyond sporting achievement, serving as a catalyst for football development, national inspiration and long-lasting memories.
The associations reaffirmed that every team reaching the World Cup has earned its place through merit and deserves equal respect.
“Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by the football federations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo and Haiti, with support from the Algerian Football Federation, Tunisian Football Federation, Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Egyptian Football Association, Ghana Football Association, Senegalese Football Federation, Ivorian Football Federation and the South African Football Association.
The response highlights growing support among developing football nations for the expanded FIFA World Cup format, which they view as an opportunity to broaden participation and strengthen the global growth of the game.
This year’s ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico features 48 nations, up from 32 at the previous edition in 2022.
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