Steve Cooper backed by Brondby in row over dropping Bosnian player before Wales World Cup play-off

Danish club Brondby has defended manager Steve Cooper after accusations he dropped Bosnian midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic due to his nationality, ahead of a World Cup play-off semi-final against Wales.

The controversy erupted just days before Bosnia and Herzegovina are set to face Wales in Cardiff on Thursday.

Sergej Barbarez, the Bosnia-Herzegovina manager, made the claim this week, suggesting Cooper excluded Tahirovic from Brondby’s two most recent games because of his origins.

Barbarez stated on Monday: “Benjo has told me some things that are hard to believe. It has something to do with his coach’s origin.”

He added, “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.”

Following the allegations, reports indicated Tahirovic contacted Cooper to apologise, while Brondby’s sporting director, Benjamin Schmede, reached out to Barbarez to clarify.

Soren Hanghoj, Brondby’s communications director, dismissed the claims, telling the BBC: “This is quite a 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 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.”

The controversy precedes the World Cup playoff semi-final in Cardiff, where Wales host Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winner will face Italy or Northern Ireland for a place at the tournament.

Bosnia last qualified for the World Cup in 2014, while Wales participated in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Craig Bellamy named his squad for the play-offs last week but will have to cope without a number of senior players, including Ben Davies and Kieffer Moore, due to injuries.