World Cup nations slam UEFA chief for 'disappointing' 48-team criticism

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has faced backlash after reportedly stating that the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup has led to many "uninteresting" matches. His comments, attributed to remarks made at a conference in Ljubljana and reported by Slovenian media, drew sharp criticism from multiple football governing bodies.

On Sunday, a joint statement from 14 national football associations expressed "respectful but firm rejection" of Ceferin's comments. The signatories included Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Curaçao, Haiti, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan qualified for their first World Cup this year, while DR Congo and Haiti returned to the tournament for the first time since 1974.

The statement declared: "For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match. Football does not belong to a select group of nations. Its strength comes from its universality." It emphasized that participation in the World Cup is a monumental achievement that inspires generations, accelerates football development, and creates lifelong memories.

"To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognize the efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders, and supporters across the world," the statement added. The associations highlighted the years of work and investment required to qualify, noting that behind every team stand entire communities viewing football as a source of pride and unity.

The statement concluded by affirming that every qualified nation deserves respect and that every match carries meaning for millions worldwide, calling for continued growth of the sport to create opportunities and inspire new generations.