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13 Federations Criticize UEFA President's Remarks on New World Cup Format

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Thirteen football federations from Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and other regions criticized UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin's remarks on the expanded 48-team World Cup format.
  • The federations rejected Čeferin's view that many World Cup qualifiers are uninteresting, stating that qualifying is a historic achievement and a generational dream for their nations.
  • They argued that Čeferin's comments disregard the efforts of players, coaches, clubs, and millions of supporters, emphasizing that football is a global sport deserving of respect for all participating nations.

Jakarta, Indonesia – A coalition of thirteen football federations has strongly condemned remarks made by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who criticized the expanded 48-team format for the FIFA World Cup.

In a joint statement released via the Moroccan Football Federation's social media on Monday, federations from Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and other regions pushed back against Čeferin's assertion that many World Cup qualifying matches lack excitement. "For our nations, there is no FIFA World Cup match that is not important. Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is a historic achievement and the realization of a dream passed down from generation to generation," the statement declared.

For our nations, there is no FIFA World Cup match that is not important. Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is a historic achievement and the realization of a dream passed down from generation to generation.

— 13 Football FederationsThe federations responded to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin's criticism of the World Cup qualifying process.

The signatories, including Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and South Africa, argued that Čeferin's comments overlook the immense dedication of players, coaches, clubs, football administrators, and millions of fans who support their national teams. They stressed that the journey to the World Cup is not instantaneous but built upon years of investment, planning, and hard work, representing a source of pride, hope, and unity for large communities.

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football competition in the world precisely because it brings together different football cultures, histories, and journeys.

— 13 Football FederationsThe federations defended the global nature and importance of the World Cup.

The coalition asserted that football is a global sport, not the exclusive domain of a select few decision-makers. "The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football competition in the world precisely because it brings together different football cultures, histories, and journeys," they wrote. For many countries, reaching the finals is not only a sporting accomplishment but also a powerful source of inspiration for young people, a catalyst for national football development, and a creator of lifelong memories.

These federations insisted that every nation qualifying for the tournament deserves respect, having earned their place through legitimate competition. "Every country that qualifies deserves respect. Every team qualifies based on merit. Every match has meaning," they affirmed.

Every country that qualifies deserves respect. Every team qualifies based on merit. Every match has meaning.

— 13 Football FederationsThe federations emphasized the legitimacy and significance of all teams participating in the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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