France Fail to Overturn Olise Yellow Card Ahead of Morocco Clash
France have lost their appeal to have Michael Olise’s yellow card removed, leaving the Bayern Munich winger at risk of suspension should he receive another caution in the tournament’s business end.
The booking came deep into stoppage time of France’s 1‑0 last‑16 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia, after Olise grabbed the shirt of Paraguayan midfielder Matias Galarza during a confrontation that saw Galarza go to ground.
Despite an appeal from the French Football Federation, FIFA confirmed the sanction stands. Manager Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday, “The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning, it has been maintained.”
Olise, who has already contributed five assists at the World Cup, would miss a potential semi‑final against Spain or Belgium if he picks up another yellow in Thursday’s quarter‑final versus Morocco.
The decision follows FIFA’s earlier reversal of a red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, which allowed him to play in the Americans’ last‑16 clash with Belgium.
Other French players Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone were also cautioned against Paraguay, while the South American side finished the match without a single yellow card despite several flashpoints, including a penalty‑spot scuff by Gustavo Velazquez before Kylian Mbappé converted the decisive penalty, an alleged elbow on Dayot Upamecano by Gabriel Avalos, and a heavy challenge on Adrien Rabiot by Andres Cubas.
After the match, Mbappé denounced a Paraguayan senator as “despicable” following racist remarks aimed at the France captain concerning his background and education.
Morocco Suffer Injury Blow as Saibari Ruled Out
Morocco will have to contend without midfielder Ismael Saibari, who has been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during their 3‑0 last‑16 victory over co‑hosts Canada.
Saibari, who scored against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage and converted the winning penalty in the shoot‑out win over the Netherlands in the last‑32, had only recently completed a move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich. He was forced off after just 22 minutes against Canada.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi commented, “He’s not ready but I hope it’s not the end of the tournament for him.”
The loss of one of Morocco’s most influential players comes as they seek to avenge their 2022 World Cup semi‑final defeat to France.
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