SAFA have joined forces with 12 other football associations to slam UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin for what they perceive as remarks that undermine some countries’ involvement in the expanded FIFA World Cup.
The ongoing 2026 edition of the global football fiesta is the first one to have 48 participating teams. This has seen CAF having 10 countries taking part. CONCACAF side Curacao and the Asian Football Confederation’s Uzbekistan are the World Cup newbies.
Ceferin is alleged to have said that the World Cup is “uninteresting” because more teams are competing. The UEFA boss has already been on record saying it would be “a bad idea” for the global football fiesta to be further expanded to 64 teams in 2030.
But now he is said to view the games jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico as boring because of the 48 teams taking part. The increase in the number of participating teams has led to Cape Verde debuting at the global football tournament.
National teams like Bafana Bafana, DR Congo and Haiti have returned to the World Cup after missing some editions. CAF member associations in North America have been the most vocal confederation in condemning Ceferin’s alleged utterances.
Morocco, who reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, has also made its voice loud. They have disapproved of the remarks made by the Slovenian lawyer. Ghana and Senegal have previously tasted quarter-final football at the global football competition and have also joined in slamming Ceferin.
‘PROFOUND DISAPPOINTMENT’ AS SHOTS ARE FIRED AT UEFA BOSS ALEKSANDER CEFERIN
In a joint statement released on Sunday by 13 football associations, including SAFA, Ceferin was criticised for his alleged remarks.
“The Football Associations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa express their profound disappointment following the recent comments made by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and his characterisation of many matches as being “uninteresting,” the joint statement reads.
“We respectfully but firmly reject these comments, and for our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match. For Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan, qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic achievement and the realisation of a dream shared by generations.
“For nations such as Congo and Haiti, returning to football’s biggest stage after a long absence carries a special meaning for millions of supporters who have waited years, and in some cases decades, for this moment.
“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.”
‘FOOTBALL DOES NOT BELONG TO A SELECT GROUP OF NATIONS’: SAFA AGREE WITH 12 OTHERS
“Behind every qualification stands 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 statement went on.
“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, participation in the FIFA World Cup is not only a sporting achievement. It is a moment that inspires a generation, accelerates football development and creates memories that last a lifetime.
“We believe that every nation that qualifies deserves respect. Every team has earned its place on merit, and every supporter has the right to dream. Every match carries meaning for millions of people around the world.
“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.”
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