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Steve Cooper Sabotage Storm as Brondby Issue Strong Response to Accusations

Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez claims Brondby boss Steve Cooper benched midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic to weaken Bosnia ahead of World Cup play-off; Brondby denies these allegations.

  • On Monday, Bosnia head coach Sergej Barbarez accused Brondby manager Steve Cooper of intentionally omitting midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic from matchday squads ahead of Thursday's World Cup play-off against Wales.
  • Wales and Bosnia face off in Cardiff on Thursday in a World Cup play-off semi-final, with the winner advancing to play Italy or Northern Ireland five days later for a tournament spot.
  • Cooper previously claimed he dropped Tahirovic and Sean Klaiber for failing to "live up to the values" of the club; the 23-year-old midfielder has made 44 appearances for Brondby since his 2024 transfer from Ajax.
  • Brondby communications director Soren Hanghoj refuted the allegations, labeling them "far-reaching speculation" and insisting the decision to sideline Tahirovic was a "club decision" made jointly by coaching staff.
  • Barbarez alleged that Cooper told Tahirovic "everything will return to normal after the national team season," though the Bosnian coach expressed disappointment, stating he values "sport and competition" more than such tactics.
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17 Articles

Daily ExpressDaily Express
Lean Right

World Cup row erupts as ex-Premier League manager accused of 'sabotaging' nation

Accusation of sabotage before crucial World Cup play-off matches.

·United Kingdom
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The Independent (US)The Independent (US)
Lean Left

Cooper backed by Brondby in row over dropping Bosnian player before Wales clash

Steve Cooper was accused of deliberately dropping a Bosnian player before they face Wales this week

·United States
Read Full Article
The Star Kuala LumpurThe Star Kuala Lumpur
Right

Soccer-Brondby back coach Cooper after Tahirovic non-selection claims

March 24 (Reuters) - Danish club ⁠Brondby have backed manager Steve Cooper after the Welshman was accused ⁠of dropping Bosnian midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic because he will face ‌Wales in a World Cup playoff semi-final in Cardiff on Thursday. Read full story

·Malaysia
Read Full Article
ladepeche.frladepeche.fr
Lean Left

World Cup 2026: Bosnia's Breeder Accuses Welsh Sabotage Coach Before Their Roadblock Match

The 2026 World Cup dams ignite even before they kick off. The Bosnian breeder accuses a Welsh coach of voluntarily weakening his team. A polemic that spices up a duel...

Read Full Article
Leicester MercuryLeicester Mercury
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Nottingham PostNottingham Post
Lean Right

Steve Cooper sabotage storm as Brondby issue strong response to accusations

Former Leicester City boss Steve Cooper has been accused by Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez

·Leicester, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Wales OnlineWales Online
Lean Left

Ex-Swans boss faces outrageous accusation from Bosnia coach ahead of Wales game

The row centres around Bosnian midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic

·Wales, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
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The Independent broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Monday, March 23, 2026.
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