‘Every match matters’ - 13 nations condemn UEFA president’s comments about FIFA World Cup 2026
(Courtesy : Getty)
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly described some of the World Cup matches as “uninteresting”.
A joint statement signed by 13 football associations, representing nations from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, condemned Ceferin’s derogatory comments about the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The UEFA president reportedly said that the participation of more non-European nations in the ongoing World Cup has resulted in “uninteresting” matches. This exclusivist statement drew the ire of several participating nations.
The football associations of Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and South Africa released the joint statement criticising the Slovenian administrator’s comments.
What did the joint statement say?
The signatories of the statement expressed “their profound disappointment following the recent comments made by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and his characterization of many matches as being ‘uninteresting’.”
The lengthy statement said that qualification for the World Cup remains an aspiration for nations from around the globe, with every qualifying nation deserving respect.
The statement named Curacao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, who are making their World Cup debuts this year. DR Congo and Haiti were also singled out, with the two nations marking their long-awaited return to the tournament.
“Every team has earned its place on merit. Every supporter has the right to dream. Every match carries meaning for millions of people around the world,” the statement added. “Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters.”
The statement is one of the harshest rebukes seen in recent times, targeting one of the most powerful figures in world football. Neither UEFA nor Ceferin has responded to the criticism yet.
What did Aleksander Ceferin say about FIFA World Cup 2026?
The UEFA president reportedly claimed that the participation of more non‑European nations has led to “uninteresting” matches.
Which nations condemned Ceferin’s comments?
13 football associations signed the statement: Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and South Africa.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.