Kazakh Language Controversy in Football
Stanislav Cherchesov, the former head coach of the Russian national team and the coach of Kazakhstan, found himself at the center of a language-related controversy during the UEFA Nations League. After the match against Slovenia ended with a 1-0 result for Slovenia, Cherchesov gave a vague Kazakh-language reply to a journalist’s question, leaving viewers and officials surprised. The moment ignited swift attention as questions about language and respect in sport spread across social media and broadcasts. Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Are you speaking French now? Paris, oui, oui, ça va bien.”
— The moment drew sharp reactions when the Kazakh question was heard by the coach in a conference room where the reporter wore a Paris Saint-Germain jersey, adding a layer of irony to the scene. Source: Kazakhstan Football Federation (KFF) statement.
The exchange, seen as odd in context, was linked to the journalist’s PSG apparel. The incident sparked controversy, and the country’s Ministry of Sports did not stay silent. A video circulating on social networks was described by official channels as showing the Kazakhstan national team’s head coach making remarks about the Kazakh language. Source: Official statements from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The ministry pressed the Kazakhstan Football Federation to provide an official explanation and to conduct clarifications with the coach about the need to uphold the state language. It emphasized that the state language holds a special status under the Constitution and the Law on Languages, and citizens are expected to show due respect. The ministry also noted that while the federation operates independently, a formal explanation could be requested from it as a state institution. Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The ministry called on all sports federations to honor state symbols and national values, and to avoid statements that undermine them. The KFF responded quickly with its own clarification, saying the question came from Kazakh journalist Begasyl Seitkhanov, who was wearing a PSG jersey at the press conference. Cherchesov answered with humor, the federation stated, and added that he holds deep respect for the Kazakh language and culture and continues to study it. Source: Kazakhstan Football Federation.
Not the first time this issue has arisen. Earlier in the year, Cherchesov faced a Kazakh-language question and asked permission to respond in Ossetian, who was met with hesitation from the journalist but allowed. The interaction reportedly involved Adilet Barmenkulov, the Federation president acting as translator during the moment, and a note that the interviewee might not typically be the translator. In 2019, when Cherchesov visited Astana with the Russian national team, he told local journalists he understood Kazakh. Source: Federation records and contemporary coverage.
Leading into the Nations League, Cherchesov was at the helm of the Kazakh squad, facing a difficult campaign. The opening period saw the team struggle to convert chances, and results did not go in their favor in the away and home fixtures. A personal record of multiple matches without a goal marked a rough stretch, even as federation leadership stressed the player development process and backed the Russian coach. Source: National team season summaries.
The public discourse continues as officials affirm faith in Cherchesov’s work and potential to raise the national team’s performance, while critics call for clearer language policies and more frequent, transparent explanations. The balance between cultural respect and public accountability remains a focal point for fans, media, and governing bodies alike. Source: National sports policy commentary.
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