Australia coach apologises for sexist jibe after Fifa World Cup qualifier against Jordan

Holger Osieck downplays 'women should shut up in public' remark, saying it was a joke and off the record following 4-0 win.

Holger Osieck, the Australia coach, meant his jibe as a joke that he would say to his wife in private. Denis Doyle / Getty Images

MELBOURNE // Holger Osieck, the Australia coach, has apologised for a sexist jibe that "women should shut up in public", made after his team's Fifa World Cup qualifying win over Jordan, saying it was off the record and said only as a joke.

"I got information it created waves. That was not the intent. To everyone offended, I sincerely apologise," the German-born coach told a media conference on Wednesday.

Osieck was taking his seat at a news conference following Australia's 4-0 win over Jordan on Tuesday when he jokingly accused a male Football Australia official of ordering him around "like his wife". Osieck then used the Latin phrase "Mulieres taceres in ecclesia", adding his own English translation as "women should shut up in public".

"I say it to my wife at home, it is a private one, OK," he added.

Looking at the waiting media he added: "And you record that one as well? I am going to be the darling of all Australian wives."

Osieck looked to downplay the remarks on Wednesday.

"To everyone who may feel offended by that, I offer a sincere apology," Osieck said. "It was off the record, it was more a funny remark.

"It was nothing against any women or whatever. Definitely just a complete misunderstanding. ... It was more meant as a joke to the journalist who asked me. There was no serious approach in it. One hundred per cent not."

Despite the apology, Olsieck may not be out of trouble yet.

"If my wife knows, I'll probably be in big trouble when I get home," he said.

Osieck and the Australia team now travel to Sydney for Tuesday's crucial qualifier against Iraq.

Australia are in second place in Group B of Asian qualifying behind already-qualified Japan. Australia must beat Iraq to be assured of advancing directly to the 2014 World Cup, while a draw will leave it relying upon the result of the Oman-Jordan match the same day.

The top two teams in each group qualify, and the third-placed teams advance to a play-off.

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