13 Associations Reject Ceferin's Criticism of World Cup Expansion

In a joint statement, 13 football associations responded to the remarks and rejected them "respectfully but firmly." Among the signatories are Senegal, Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast and South Africa. The associations accuse Ceferin of having portrayed their matches as less important with his statements, which is indicative of "a lack of appreciation" and is "deeply disappointing."

The associations formulated a fundamental claim in the statement: "Fußball gehört nicht einer ausgewählten Gruppe von Nationen. Seine Stärke liegt in seiner Universalität." They emphasized that behind every qualification stands years of hard work and investment. "Wir sind überzeugt, dass jede qualifizierte Nation Respekt verdient," the text continues.

Historic Premiere for Three Newcomers

The signatories particularly pointed to the historic significance of World Cup participation for smaller footballing nations. Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan had qualified for a World Cup for the first time – a step described as a historic achievement and the fulfillment of a cross-generational dream. The World Cup is "ein Moment, der eine Generation inspiriert, die Entwicklung des Fußballs beschleunigt und bleibende Erinnerungen schafft."

The associations also highlighted the return of Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo after long absences. Both countries had last participated in a World Cup finals in 1974. The statement emphasizes that this return "für Millionen Fans eine besondere Bedeutung" and represents a moment of great emotional significance for the countries concerned.

The associations formulated their position with a clear rejection of a hierarchy of matches: "Für unsere Länder ist kein WM-Spiel bedeutungslos." In doing so, they explicitly opposed Ceferin's assessment, who had called into question the sporting added value of the expansion by pointing to potentially "völlig uninteressante" matches.

Fundamental Dispute Over the World Cup Architecture

FIFA had decided to expand the field of participants to 48 nations in order to give more countries the chance to take part in a World Cup. The controversy between UEFA President Ceferin and the 13 associations throws a spotlight on the ongoing fundamental dispute within world football over the balance between sporting competitiveness and global participation. While Ceferin emphasizes the competitive aspect, the associations insist on the developmental and identification potential of participation.

Observers see the joint statement as an unusually unified appearance by associations from three continents. The breadth of the signatories – from established African footballing nations such as Ghana and Ivory Coast to World Cup newcomers such as Uzbekistan and Curaçao – gives the protest additional weight. It remains open whether FIFA or other institutions will take a position.

Open Reactions and Outlook

The controversy comes at a time when the structures of international football are already under pressure. The discussion about the number of participants, the attractiveness of matches and the representation of smaller associations is likely to continue to accompany the debates at upcoming congresses and committee meetings.

Ceferin himself has not yet publicly commented on the joint statement by the 13 associations. The APA report on which the coverage is based is dated 15 June 2026. It therefore remains unclear for the time being whether the UEFA President will stick to his assessment, qualify it or attempt a bridge-building gesture.