In an unprecedented show of unity, thirteen football associations from Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific have issued a joint communique responding to remarks made by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
The statement signed by the football federations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa expresses profound disappointment over Mr. Čeferin’s recent characterization of certain FIFA World Cup matches as “uninteresting,” following the tournament’s expansion.
The signatories respectfully but firmly reject that framing.
For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match,” the communique reads.
The document recalls that for Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan, simply qualifying for the World Cup represents a historic achievement, the realization of a dream carried across generations.
For countries like Congo and Haiti, returning to football’s biggest stage after long absences carries profound meaning for millions of supporters who have waited years, and in some cases decades, for that moment.
Behind every qualification, the statement emphasizes, stand years of work and investment. Behind every national team stand entire communities and millions of people who see football as a source of pride, hope, and unity.
Football does not belong to a select group of nations,” the joint communique continues. “Its strength comes from its universality. The FIFA World Cup is the world’s greatest football competition precisely because it brings together different cultures, different histories and different football journeys.”
For many countries, the statement notes, participation in the World Cup is not only a sporting achievement, it is a moment that inspires a generation, accelerates football development, and creates lasting memories.
The thirteen associations conclude with three core convictions:
Every nation that qualifies deserves respect.
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,” they write. “We therefore reject the UEFA President’s comments and reaffirm our belief that the growth of football must continue to create opportunities, inspire new generations and strengthen the truly global nature of our game.”
Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters.”