2026 World Cup/ Côte d’Ivoire coach calls out Schweinsteiger over « African Football » remark
Emerse Fae pushed back hard against comments from former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, calling them ….
Côte d’Ivoire manager Emerse Fae pushed back hard against comments from former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, calling them potentially racist. Schweinsteiger, working as a pundit for German broadcaster ARD ahead of Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Toronto, said the Ivorians played « African football, » which he described as « a bit unorthodox sometimes, a bit wild, not quite as tactical
Reporters raised the comments again after Ivory Coast secured a historic milestone.
Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Côte d’Ivoire beat Curacao 2-0, sending the team into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.
Fae didn’t hide his disappointment. He recalled how much he once admired Schweinsteiger, even noting friends used to call him « Bastian » because of that admiration.
« I think it’s sad, » Fae said. He praised Schweinsteiger’s playing days, calling him a great midfielder who truly understood the game.
That history made the comments sting more. Fae said it felt strange that someone who knows football so well would speak that way, adding that people could call it racist if they wanted to call a spade a spade.
Fae made clear he won’t let the remarks distract his squad. He said he disagrees with Schweinsteiger but sees no real solution beyond proving his point on the field.
African teams bring technical skill and tactical discipline, not just physicality, he argued.
He added he hopes the comment came from carelessness rather than genuine belief, though he acknowledged Schweinsteiger remains free to think what he wants.
Fae also suggested the remarks may have been designed simply to stir controversy and grab attention.
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