France have suffered a setback ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final after FIFA rejected the team’s appeal to overturn the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay.
France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed on Wednesday that world football’s governing body had decided to uphold the booking, leaving one of the tournament’s standout performers at risk of suspension.
“The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning, it has been maintained,” Deschamps told reporters in Foxborough ahead of France’s clash with Morocco at Gillette Stadium.
Olise received the caution in the closing stages of France’s tense encounter with Paraguay in Philadelphia following an altercation with midfielder Matias Galarza.
Television replays appeared to show minimal contact between the two players. The Bayern Munich forward placed his finger in front of his mouth during the exchange before Galarza fell to the ground, claiming he had been struck in the face. Despite France’s appeal, FIFA chose to let the referee’s original decision stand.
The ruling means Olise will head into the quarter-final against Morocco carrying a yellow card. Should he receive another booking, he would be suspended for a potential semi-final against either Spain or Belgium.
France also have additional disciplinary concerns, with Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone facing the same risk after both were booked during the victory over Paraguay. Another caution for either player would also result in a one-match suspension.
Meanwhile, Deschamps offered a positive update on midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who missed the Round of 16 match due to a thigh injury.
“Aurelien is doing better. I can’t say more than that. He will maybe take part in training today but I will need to see. The others are all available,” the France coach said.
France will now turn their full attention to the quarter-final showdown with Morocco, hoping to keep their World Cup title defence on track despite the disciplinary concerns surrounding several key players.
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