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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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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 ArticleThe 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...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
13%
R 37%
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