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A group of 13 nations competing at this summer's FIFA World Cup issued a joint statement declaring their "profound disappointment" with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin after he described "a huge number of matches" at the tournament as "uninteresting."
Čeferin, who leads European soccer's governing body, has frequently clashed with his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino—who previously held Čeferin's role at UEFA. Čeferin earned widespread praise when his organization selected Somalian referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, after the official had been refused entry into the United States while attempting to travel to the World Cup.
Yet, much like in any high-stakes political arena, even the most prominent leaders can find themselves embroiled in controversy over a few careless words. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa made sure UEFA's president was no exception.
What Did Ceferin Say to Anger So Many World Cup Nations?
Čeferin appeared as a guest speaker at the "More Than a Game" conference held in his home country of Slovenia just three days before the World Cup got underway. During a wide-ranging conversation, the UEFA president was steered toward the subject of the upcoming global competition.
When pressed on the tournament's expansion—this being the first edition to feature 48 teams following years with 32 sides—Čeferin remarked: "We have a huge number of matches that are completely uninteresting," as reported by Slovenian publication Delo Šport.
"On the other hand, this also gives smaller nations the chance to take part and feel the thrill of the World Cup, which is something significant," he continued.
The first portion of Čeferin's remarks was later picked up by outside media and reached several national teams who took strong exception to the elitist undertones they carried.
World Cup Rivals Unite to Condemn 'Deeply Disappointing' Jibe
"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 Čeferin regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and his characterization of many matches as being 'uninteresting,'" read a joint statement released on Sunday.
The "respectful but firm" release from this group of thirteen highlighted that four of the nations were making their World Cup debut, while countries such as Haiti and DR Congo had not qualified for the competition in 52 years.
"To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognize the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world," the nations stated.
"Football does not belong to a select group of nations. 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."
As the statement concludes: "Every match matters."