13 Nations Hit Back at UEFA Chief Over World Cup Format Criticism

Thirteen national football federations have issued a joint statement expressing profound disappointment with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin's remarks criticizing the expanded World Cup format. The federations, including those from Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Ivory Coast, directly refuted Čeferin's assertion that the larger tournament would lead to an increase in uninteresting matches.

“

With due respect, but we strongly reject such comments. For our countries, there is no unimportant World Cup match.

"With due respect, we strongly reject such comments. For our countries, there is no unimportant World Cup match," the statement reads. The federations highlighted that for nations like Cape Verde and Uzbekistan, qualifying for the World Cup represents a historic achievement and the fulfillment of generational dreams. For countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti, returning to the global stage after long absences holds particular significance for millions who have waited years for such a moment.

“

For our countries, there is no unimportant World Cup match.

The joint response emphasized that suggesting these matches are less important demonstrates a lack of understanding regarding the effort, sacrifice, and ambition of players, coaches, federations, and fans globally. The statement argued that football's power stems from its universality, with the World Cup serving as the premier competition precisely because it unites diverse cultures, histories, and football narratives.

“

Suggesting that such matches are less important is deeply disappointing and shows a lack of understanding for the effort, sacrifice, and ambition of players, coaches, federations, and fans around the world.

"Every team has earned its place on the field. Every fan has the right to dream. Every match means something to millions of people around the world," the federations declared. They concluded by rejecting Čeferin's comments and reaffirming that football's development should create new opportunities, inspire new generations, and strengthen the game's global character.

“

The strength of football lies in its universality. The World Cup is the biggest competition precisely because it brings together different cultures, histories, and football stories.