FIFA upholds Olise booking before France’s quarterfinal against Morocco
Didier Deschamps said FIFA rejected France’s appeal, leaving Michael Olise one card from a possible World Cup semifinal ban.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
FIFA has rejected France’s attempt to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card from the World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay, France coach Didier Deschamps said Wednesday. The decision leaves one of France’s key attackers at risk of suspension if he is booked again in Thursday’s quarterfinal against Morocco.
Speaking to reporters in Foxborough, Deschamps said FIFA had informed France that the caution would stand. The ruling came on the eve of the match at Boston Stadium, where France will try to reach another World Cup semifinal.
Olise was cautioned late in France’s contentious match against Paraguay in Philadelphia after an incident involving Matias Galarza, according to AFP. Replays showed limited contact between the players; Olise put a finger near his mouth before Galarza went to the ground and claimed he had been struck in the face, AFP reported.
The Bayern Munich forward has been among France’s leading performers at the tournament, according to AFP. FIFA’s decision means he would miss a potential semifinal against Spain or Belgium if he receives another yellow card against Morocco.
France have other disciplinary concerns. AFP reported that Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone were also booked against Paraguay and would face the same risk of suspension with another caution in the quarterfinal.
Deschamps also gave an update on Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the Paraguay match because of a thigh injury. The France coach said the Real Madrid midfielder was improving and might take part in training, while adding that the rest of the squad was available.
The referee appointment for Thursday’s match also drew attention because Facundo Tello of Argentina will oversee the quarterfinal. France and Argentina have had a charged recent history since Argentina beat France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final.
Deschamps declined to treat the appointment as an issue. He told reporters he had no control over refereeing assignments and said he tried to trust the officials.
The discussion followed controversy around Argentina’s 3-2 last-16 win over Egypt, which was refereed by French official Francois Letexier. AFP reported that the Egyptian Football Association said it had filed a complaint after disputed decisions in that match.
Deschamps said decisions can be debated depending on each team’s view, but stressed that France’s opponent is Morocco rather than the referee. He said he hoped Tello and his assistants would perform as well as Letexier and his team.
Thursday’s quarterfinal is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, which France won 2-0. It could also be Deschamps’s final match as France coach if his team is eliminated, with AFP reporting that he will leave the job after the tournament following 14 years in charge.
Deschamps said he was not thinking about the possibility of his tenure ending against Morocco. He said his focus, along with his staff, was on preparing for Morocco and putting France in position to advance.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.