World Cup Teams Rebuke UEFA President Ceferin Over ‘Uninteresting Matches’ Remark

A coalition of 13 World Cup nations has criticised UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin over reported comments suggesting the expanded 48-team World Cup would feature many “completely uninteresting” matches.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, June 14, the football associations said they “respectfully but firmly reject” remarks attributed to Ceferin by Slovenian newspaper Delo.

The signatories included World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Curacao and Uzbekistan, alongside the federations of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and South Africa.

“For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match,” the joint statement read.

“To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognise the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world.”

The controversy stems from remarks reportedly made by Ceferin before the tournament, in which he questioned FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams.

“We have a lot of matches that are completely uninteresting,” Ceferin said.

The UEFA chief was, however, also reported by another Slovenian media outlet as acknowledging the benefits of wider participation.

“On the other hand, even small countries can participate and feel the pulse of the World Cup, which is a big thing,” he said.

The 13 associations insisted every nation at the tournament had earned its place.

“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 said.

“We therefore reject the UEFA President’s comments.”