Emerse Fae Labels Schweinsteiger’s Remarks On Ivory Coast ‘Racist’

Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae has accused former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger of making comments that could be considered racist after describing his side’s style of play as “wild” and lacking tactical discipline before their World Cup meeting.

Fae spoke out after Ivory Coast sealed a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history with a 2-0 win over Curacao in Philadelphia on Thursday. The result secured second place in Group E despite an earlier defeat to Germany.

Before Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on 20 June, Schweinsteiger told German broadcaster ARD that the Ivorians played “a bit African football” and were “a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics. We must be prepared for it to be unpredictable.”

The remarks drew criticism in Germany and prompted a strong response from Fae after his team’s qualification.

“I think it’s sad,” Fae said.

“Schweinsteiger was a very good player; I have always loved him as a midfielder and the way he understood football. When I heard his comments, I was disappointed in the man.

“It is odd he would speak that way. We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade.

“I don’t agree with him, but I have no other solution other than to work with things as they are. All I can show is that on the pitch African teams are not just physical, we are technical and tactical.

“I can only hope it is a clumsy statement, rather than something going on in his mind. If that’s what he thinks, he is free to do so.”

Fae also suggested the former Germany international may have been trying to stir debate by making controversial remarks, while insisting African football should no longer be judged through outdated stereotypes.

The issue has already sparked discussion in German football circles. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp declined to comment when questioned during the tournament in New York.

“Now you want to carry on the subject. No, no, I have no chance. I have no chance to answer this question. Everybody likes it so you bring me into this situation. It’s not my job that everybody likes it, but this is a serious subject, and I don’t even know what is appropriate to say,” he said.

“For African people it’s one thing, for other people it’s another thing, and I’m not here.”

Ivory Coast advanced to the last 32 after victories over Ecuador and Curacao and will face either France or Norway in Arlington, Texas, on June 30.