Senegal and several African football federations have publicly condemned recent remarks by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who described certain international matches as 'useless' and lacking interest. The comments, made during a press conference on June 12, 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland, were aimed at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and the increasing number of international fixtures.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) issued a statement on June 14, 2026, calling Čeferin's words 'disrespectful' to African football and its development. 'These matches are not useless; they are vital for the growth of the sport on our continent,' the FSF said. The federation was joined by the Football Federations of Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, which also expressed disappointment.
Čeferin's exact quote, as reported by multiple outlets, was: 'We have too many matches without interest, especially international friendlies and some qualifiers that only serve to fill calendars.' He specifically referenced the 2025 expanded FIFA Club World Cup as an example of over-scheduling.
In response, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released a statement on June 15, 2026, defending the value of international matches for African teams. 'For many African nations, these fixtures provide crucial revenue, exposure, and competitive opportunities,' CAF said. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between European and African football bodies over the global football calendar.
As of June 15, 2026, UEFA has not issued a formal apology, but sources indicate that Čeferin may clarify his remarks in a forthcoming interview. The African federations have called for a meeting with UEFA to discuss the future of international football cooperation.
