UEFA deny World Cup jibe from president Aleksander Ceferin that sparked furious joint-statement from 13 federations

UEFA have reportedly denied alleged comments from their president Aleksander Ceferin after a furious statement from 13 World Cup nations.

Ceferin is claimed to have said that the expansion of the tournament will create ‘uninteresting’ matches this summer.

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The 2026 World Cup is the first in the competition’s history to involve 48 competing nations, an increase from the usual 32.

Amid the supposed comments from the UEFA president, 13 countries released a joint-statement to hit back.

Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Curacao, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uzbekistan all backed it.

“We respectfully but firmly reject these comments,” they said. “For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match.

“For Cape Verde, Curacao 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 recognize the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world.

“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.

“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.

“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.

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“We believe that every nation that qualifies deserves respect. Every team has earned its place on merit. 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.

“Every team qualified on merit. Every match matters.”

It’s reported that Ceferin actually said: “We have a lot of matches that are completely uninteresting.

“On the other hand, even small countries can participate and feel the pulse of the World Cup, which is a big thing.”

How did UEFA respond?

However, as per The Sun, the statement is said to have left officials at UEFA perplexed.

Sources close to Ceferin said they had no knowledge of him making such comments, and that has not spoken in any recent interviews.

“We really do not know where this has come from, at all. But we do not believe the president has ever said this,” said an insider.