In a significant expression of dissent, Safa has aligned itself with twelve other nations against recent remarks made by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin concerning the reformed FIFA World Cup format. Ceferin has publicly criticized the inclusion of 48 nations in this year’s tournament, deeming the global event as “boring.”
A joint statement issued by the football associations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa articulated their disappointment regarding Ceferin’s comments. They emphasized the importance of each match, stating, “For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match.”
The statement further highlighted that for nations like Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup signifies a historic achievement, fulfilling a long-held dream. It also noted that the return of nations such as Congo and Haiti to football’s biggest stage holds profound significance for countless supporters who have awaited this moment for years or even decades.
Concluding their response, the participating nations expressed their dissatisfaction with Ceferin’s remarks, stating that they fail to acknowledge the hard work, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, and fans worldwide.