A coalition of football associations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean has issued a joint communiqué condemning recent comments by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup.

The associations, representing Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, and Haiti, with the backing of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, expressed what they described as “profound disappointment” over remarks suggesting that many World Cup matches are “uninteresting.”

In the statement, the federations firmly rejected the characterization, arguing that every World Cup match carries significance for the nations, players, and supporters involved.

According to the communiqué, qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic milestone for countries such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan, while nations like Congo and Haiti view a return to football’s biggest stage as the fulfillment of dreams nurtured over many years.

The associations emphasized that behind every qualification campaign are years of planning, investment, sacrifice, and dedication from players, coaches, administrators, clubs, and supporters.

They argued that football’s greatest strength lies in its global reach and inclusiveness, noting that the World Cup remains the world’s premier football competition because it brings together different cultures, histories, and football traditions.

The federations further stated that participation in the tournament goes beyond sporting success, describing it as a source of national pride, inspiration, and development that can impact future generations.

“Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters,” the statement declared.

The signatories reaffirmed their support for the continued growth of football worldwide and stressed that opportunities should remain open to emerging football nations seeking to compete on the global stage.

The communiqué was signed by the football federations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, and Haiti, with expressions of solidarity from the football associations of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa.