Bastian Schweinsteiger defends remarks, says he spoke about football not people | OneFootball

Bastian Schweinsteiger has rejected accusations of racism after remarks about African football sparked controversy at the World Cup.

The former Germany midfielder, 41, made the comments on air before Germany v Ivory Coast on Saturday, a match that finished 2-1. ARD said in a statement that he was speaking about football, not people, and that he had no intention to offend, while the broadcaster backed him. Its sports coordinator, Axel Balkausky, argued the wording contained no racism, saying he was simply outlining expectations of Ivory Coast’s style, and suggested a direct conversation with Émerse Faé could ease concerns during the tournament.

Schweinsteiger had characterised African football as unorthodox and wild, which ignited the debate.

Ivory Coast head coach Émerse Faé later said the remarks were odd coming from someone of Schweinsteiger’s knowledge and that they could be described as racist. He spoke on Thursday after his side secured a historic place in the last 32.

Schweinsteiger is working as a pundit for German public broadcaster ARD during the tournament.

Source: L'Équipe