Stanislav Cherchesov, the head coach of the Kazakhstan national team, sparked a new controversy over the Kazakh language after a Nations League match against Slovenia that finished 0:1. Moments after the whistle, a journalist wearing a PSG jersey asked a question in Kazakh. The Russian manager replied with a pointed line: ‘Do you speak French now?’ The moment circulated through sports circles as a test of language and cultural respect in a country that promotes Kazakh as a core national language.
Shortly after, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan criticized Cherchesov for disrespecting the country, saying that he used expressions that insulted the Kazakh language. The incident added fuel to a broader debate about how public figures should engage with language and national identity in a bilingual setting, especially in a football environment where national pride runs deep.
Cherchesov has faced similar episodes in the past. On June 28 he suggested that the journalist answer in Ossetian, a language spoken by a minority in the region. That remark reinforced the perception that language choices can become a flashpoint in international sports, where national pride and team unity intersect with cultural sensitivities and public expectations.
Kazakhstan’s national team has endured a rough stretch in the Nations League. The current run marks their third straight loss. They were defeated by Austria 0:4 and Slovenia 0:3, while in the opening round they settled for a 0:0 draw with Norway. The results put the squad under pressure and invited careful scrutiny of Cherchesov’s tactical decisions, squad selection, and his ability to build cohesion amid a changing roster of players from across the country.
Cherchesov assumed leadership of the Kazakhstan national team in June 2024, taking over from Magomed Adiev, who balanced duties with Akhmat Grozny. Under Cherchesov, Kazakhstan progressed to Group B of the Nations League, a milestone that reflected the team’s effort to climb the ranks and compete against similarly ranked opponents. The plan reportedly focused on steady development, leveraging Cherchesov’s experience to maximize the talent pool across the country and push for better results in upcoming fixtures, while laying the groundwork for a longer term rebuilding project.
Before moving to Kazakhstan, Cherchesov had worked with the Russian national team at the senior level. Under his coaching during the World Cup hosted by Russia, the team advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were edged by the eventual finalists, Croatia. His tenure with Russia ended after a disappointing showing at Euro 2020, played in 2021, which ultimately led to a change in leadership. Critics weigh that track record when evaluating his current project with Kazakhstan, balancing the high points against the tougher periods in his coaching career.
Looking ahead, supporters in Kazakh football will watch closely how Cherchesov navigates language tensions, player development, and tactical evolution. The controversy over language use is likely to factor into discussions about leadership style, media relations, and the broader cultural climate surrounding football in the country. Fans hope the coach can translate his tournament experience into results on the field while maintaining a respectful approach to the national language and the diverse communities that make up the sport’s audience.