A coalition of twelve national football federations, led by Senegal, has issued a joint statement denouncing comments made by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin regarding the expanded FIFA World Cup. Čeferin reportedly described some qualifying matches as lacking interest, prompting strong criticism from the federations involved. The signatories, including nations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, argue that all World Cup qualifying matches hold significant value and represent a culmination of years of effort for players and supporters. They emphasize that qualification is a historic achievement for many countries and a source of national pride. The federations assert that football’s strength lies in its global inclusivity, rejecting the notion that only certain matches are meaningful. They call for respect for all teams that have earned their place in the World Cup finals, stressing that every match is important.