Football World Cup: After accusations of racism: That’s what Schweinsteiger says

“I spoke about football, not about people. This is a football analysis. Nothing more and nothing less,” Schweinsteiger was quoted as saying in a statement broadcast by ARD upon request. “The last thing I wanted to do was offend anyone.”

Faé sharply criticizes Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger had described the Ivory Coast team’s game as “a bit of African football, of course, which is sometimes a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, and perhaps sometimes not quite so influenced by tactics.” “We have to be prepared for the fact that it will be unpredictable sometimes.”

After Ivory Coast made it into the knockout rounds by beating Curaçao on Thursday, coach Faé criticized the former DFB professional. “It’s sad. We could call it racist. When I heard his comment, I was disappointed. I have no option but to accept it,” he had said.

ARD sports coordinator: “Cannot recognize any form of racism”

ARD sports coordinator Axel Balkausky introduced himself to the 2014 world champion. “Bastian Schweinsteiger expressed his expectations of the playing style of the Ivory Coast team. In it he summarized his experiences and observations from the last games,” he said.

It wasn’t about the people, but about a footballing classification. “I can’t detect any form of racism in this or in the choice of words,” Balkausky continued.

“If the Ivory Coast coach, Emerse Faé, would exchange ideas directly with Bastian, his suspicions would be revised in a very short time – I am sure of that,” said the ARD sports coordinator. “Perhaps there will be another opportunity like this during the tournament.”