Former Nottingham Forest and current Brondby manager Steve Cooper has been accused of leaving out Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic ahead of the country’s World Cup semi-final clash against Wales on Thursday.
Cooper, born in Wales and coach of the Danish club since September 2025, was accused by Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez, who stated that Tahirovic’s absence “has something to do with the origin of his coach.”
Wales host Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday and a play-off final at home against Italy or Northern Ireland awaits the winner next Tuesday.
Barbarez’s claim has been denied by the Danish club.
At a press conference on Monday, the Bosnian coach said: “Benjo has told me some things that are difficult to believe. It has something to do with the origin of his coach.
“When your coach wishes you, but not your team, good luck, leave room for reflection.
“He [Cooper] He has told him that everything will return to normal after the national team season.
“I’m not like that, I love and value sport and competition more.”
“Powerful speculation”
Soren Hanghoj, Brondby’s director of communications, refuted Barbarez’s claim and said the player’s omission was a “club decision”.
Hanghoj said: “This is far-reaching speculation.
“Steve has publicly stated the considerations behind his decision, and none of them have the slightest connection with any of the national teams.
“It is not just a coach who sponsors a decision like the one in question here.
“It is a club decision that has been made jointly by an entire coaching staff and the sports management.
“And after all, there aren’t that many Wales fans in Brondby.”
