13 Countries Reject UEFA President Ceferin’s Remarks on Expanded FIFA World Cup Format

A group of 13 football nations has issued a joint statement criticizing comments made by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin about the expanded FIFA World Cup.

The countries, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire, expressed what they described as “profound disappointment” over Ceferin’s remarks that the larger tournament could lead to “uninteresting” matches.

In their statement released on June 14, the nations firmly rejected the suggestion that some World Cup matches carry less value than others.

“We respectfully but firmly reject these comments,” the statement said.

The countries emphasized that for many nations, simply qualifying for the World Cup represents a historic achievement and the fulfillment of dreams shared by generations of players and supporters.

They noted that for countries such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan, reaching the tournament would mark a major milestone in their football history.

World Cup Qualification Represents Years of Sacrifice

The statement highlighted the hard work and sacrifices required to reach the World Cup.

According to the countries, every qualification campaign reflects years of investment, planning, and dedication from players, coaches, football officials, clubs, and supporters.

The nations said it was disappointing to hear suggestions that matches involving emerging football countries are somehow less important.

“Behind every qualification stands years of work and investment. Behind every national team stands entire communities and millions of people who see football as a source of pride, hope, and unity,” the statement read.

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Football Belongs to the Entire World

The countries also defended the expanded World Cup format, arguing that football’s greatest strength lies in its global reach.

They said the FIFA World Cup has become the world’s biggest football competition because it brings together nations from different cultures, backgrounds, and football traditions.

The statement stressed that participation in the World Cup goes beyond sport.

For many countries, qualification inspires young players, boosts football development, and creates lifelong memories for supporters.

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“Every Team Qualified on Merit”

The group reaffirmed that every nation earns its place at the World Cup through performance on the field.

They called for greater respect for all qualified teams and their supporters, regardless of their football history or global ranking.

“We believe that every nation that qualifies deserves respect. Every team has earned its place on merit. Every supporter has the right to dream,” the statement read.

The countries concluded by rejecting Ceferin’s comments and reaffirming their support for the continued growth of football worldwide.

“Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters.”

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13 Nations Slam UEFA Chief Over World Cup Comments
PHOTO/Communique Senegal