Wales Set to Face Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup Qualifying Play-Off
Wales are scheduled to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final on Thursday.
Steve Cooper, the Welsh manager at Danish club Brondby, has been accused of omitting Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic from recent matches ahead of the upcoming World Cup play-off between the two nations.
The claim was made by Bosnia-Herzegovina manager Sergej Barbarez but has been denied by Brondby.
The two teams will meet at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, with the winner advancing to a home play-off final against either Italy or Northern Ireland, scheduled for Tuesday, 31 March.
Barbarez Alleges Cooper's Influence on Tahirovic's Omission
At a press conference on Monday, Barbarez stated that Cooper, formerly Swansea City's manager, had excluded Tahirovic from Brondby's last two games due to the impending qualifier.
"Benjo has told me some things that are hard to believe. It has something to do with his coach's origin.
When your coach wishes you, but not your national team, good luck, it leaves room for thought.
He (Cooper) has told him that everything will return to normal after the national team season.
I am not like that, I love and value sport and competition more."
Cooper, born in Pontypridd, South Wales, has also managed Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
Previously, Cooper omitted Tahirovic and Suriname defender Sean Klaiber from the squad, citing their failure to "live up to the values" of the club.
Brondby Rejects Claims, Attributes Decision to Club Management
Soren Hanghoj, Brondby's communications director, refuted Barbarez's allegations, describing them as "far-reaching speculation."
"Steve has publicly stated the considerations behind the decision - and none of them have the slightest connection with either national team. That goes without saying.
It is not just a head coach who is the sponsor of a decision like the one in question here.
It is a club decision that has been made jointly by an entire coaching team and the sporting management.
And there are not that many Wales fans in Brondby after all."
Additional Coverage and
Further insights include an in-depth look inside Wales manager Rob Page's office, analysis of the Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina World Cup play-off, and comments from Wales coach Rob Page on the importance of Harry Wilson to the team.
Fans can pick their Wales side to face Bosnia-Herzegovina and follow live coverage on BBC , BBC One Wales, , BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, 5 Live, the website and app, along with live text commentary.
Additionally, Ethan Ampadu commented on Harry Wilson's form at Fulham, stating it was "no surprise to Wales."
