Bosnia Coach Accuses Welsh Manager of Sidelining Bosnian Player

Tensions have escalated in the buildup to the World Cup playoff semifinal between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Bosnia's head coach accused Brondby manager Steve Cooper of deliberately sidelining midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic to undermine his team's preparations. The controversy surfaced ahead of Thursday's match at Cardiff City Stadium, where the winner will advance to face either Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31 for a spot in the 2026 tournament in North America.

Sergej Barbarez, Bosnia's coach, made the claims during a press conference in Sarajevo on Monday. He alleged that Tahirovic, a 23-year-old Bosnian international, had shared details suggesting Cooper's decision to limit his playing time stemmed from the Welsh manager's nationality and the upcoming international fixture. "Benjo has told me some things that are hard to believe," Barbarez said. "It has something to do with his coach's roots and origins. When your coach wishes you, but not your national team, good luck, everything is much clearer. He has told him that everything will return to normal after the national team season."

Tahirovic, who joined Brondby from Ajax last year, had been a regular starter...