FIFA has rejected an appeal by the French Football Federation (FFF) to have Michael Olise’s yellow card rescinded ahead of France’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
Olise was shown a yellow card in the seventh minute of stoppage time after clashing with Paraguay’s Matías Galarza while contesting for the ball.
France had hoped FIFA would overturn the caution to avoid the risk of Olise missing a potential World Cup semi-final if he receives another yellow card in the quarter-finals. The request came after FIFA reportedly lifted a yellow card issued to Folarin Balogun of the United States following an appeal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of France’s quarter-final against Morocco, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that FIFA had rejected the appeal.
“Nothing has changed regarding Olise’s yellow card. This morning, FIFA informed us that its decision stands and that the yellow card will remain,” Deschamps said.
The decision means the 24-year-old will need to be cautious in Thursday’s quarter-final against Morocco. If he receives another yellow card, he will be suspended for the semi-final should France advance.
Olise has been one of France’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 24-year-old has already provided five assists, the highest tally in the tournament so far.
