Steve Cooper Accused of Sidelining Bosnia Star Ahead of Wales World Cup Play-Off
London, 23 March 2026 – Brøndby IF manager Steve Cooper has found himself at the centre of a major international controversy, accused by the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team coach of deliberately sidelining a key player ahead of this week’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Wales. The Welsh manager, who took charge of the Danish Superliga side in September 2025, has strongly denied the allegations through his club.
International Spat Erupts Before Decisive Match
Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez used a pre-match press conference to allege that Cooper, the former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City boss, had omitted Bosnian international midfielder Benjamin Tahirović from Brøndby’s recent squad for tactical reasons related to the upcoming Wales match. Barbarez suggested the decision was designed to hinder the player’s readiness for the vital qualifier. Brøndby officials have issued a firm rebuttal, stating team selection is based solely on sporting merit and the player’s fitness. The incident has cast an unexpected shadow over the build-up to the high-stakes play-off.
Key Facts: Steve Cooper
The following table details the career and current status of the manager at the heart of the story.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Manager, Brøndby IF (Appointed 9 September 2025) |
| Contract Until | 30 June 2028 |
| Place of Birth | Pontypridd, Wales |
| Managerial Career | England U17, Swansea City, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Brøndby IF |
| Notable Achievement | Led Nottingham Forest from the bottom of the Championship to Premier League promotion in the 2021/22 season. |
Forest Links and Fan Sentiment
Amid the international row, Cooper’s name has resurfaced in connection with his former club, Nottingham Forest. With Forest currently battling relegation in the Premier League, former player Jack Colback has publicly backed a sensational return for the “incredible” Cooper, who remains a popular figure among sections of the fanbase for his historic promotion success. This sentiment, however, exists independently of the current allegations facing him in Denmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Steve Cooper been accused of?
Bosnia and Herzegovina national team coach Sergej Barbarez has accused Cooper of deliberately dropping Bosnian midfielder Benjamin Tahirović from his Brøndby IF team to negatively impact the player’s fitness and sharpness ahead of Bosnia’s World Cup play-off against Wales.
How has Steve Cooper responded?
Steve Cooper has not made a personal public statement. The allegations have been denied by his club, Brøndby IF, which stated that team selections are made on sporting grounds alone.
Where is Steve Cooper managing now?
As of 23 March 2026, Steve Cooper is the manager of Danish Superliga club Brøndby IF. He was appointed on 9 September 2025.
Has Steve Cooper managed in the Premier League?
Yes. He managed Nottingham Forest in the Premier League from 2022 to 2023 after winning promotion with the club. He also had a brief spell as manager of Leicester City.