"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." Media reports on Tuesday said Tahirovic had contacted Cooper to apologise for the comments and that Brondby sporting director Benjamin Schmede had contacted Barbarez to explain the decision. "Steve has publicly stated the considerations behind the decision -- and none of them have the slightest connection with either national team. Bosnia are attempting to qualify for the World Cup finals for the second time, having done so in 2014.

Source: BBC March 24, 2026 13:20 UTC