The South African Football Association (SAFA) has joined several football associations from Africa and other emerging football nations in expressing strong disappointment over recent comments made by UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup.
The associations were responding to remarks in which Čeferin reportedly described many matches at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup as “uninteresting.”
In a united statement, the football bodies firmly rejected the comments, arguing that every World Cup match carries significance for the participating nations and their supporters.
The statement highlighted that for countries such as Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan, qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic milestone and the fulfilment of dreams shared across generations.
Similarly, nations including Congo and Haiti view their return to football’s biggest stage after lengthy absences as a moment of immense national pride and celebration for millions of supporters.
The associations emphasized that dismissing such matches as less important undermines the sacrifices, dedication and aspirations of players, coaches, administrators, clubs and supporters who have worked tirelessly to reach the global tournament.
“Behind every qualification 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,” the statement read.
The football bodies further stressed that the strength of the FIFA World Cup lies in its universality and ability to bring together nations from different cultures, histories and football traditions.
According to the statement, participation in the World Cup goes beyond sporting achievement. It inspires future generations, accelerates football development and creates lasting memories for entire nations.
The associations reaffirmed that every team competing at the World Cup has earned its place through merit and deserves equal respect.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by the football federations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo and Haiti, and received support from the football associations of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa.
The united message ended with a clear declaration:
Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters.