FIFA upholds Olise’s yellow, casting doubt ahead of Morocco clash

FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that Michael Olise’s yellow card from the 97th‑minute tussle against Paraguay’s Matías Galarza will stand, meaning the French midfielder faces suspension risk ahead of France’s World Cup quarter‑final against Morocco on Thursday, coach Didier Deschamps said. The ruling puts Olise’s participation in a potential semi‑final in doubt should he receive another booking. The yellow card was shown in the 97th minute of France’s 1‑0 victory over Paraguay after Olise became involved in a tussle with Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza. Video replays indicated Olise only grabbed Galarza’s jersey before the latter fell to the ground. The decision contrasts with a recent United States case where striker Folarin Balogun had his suspension lifted after Donald Trump intervened with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Balogun then featured in the United States’ 4‑1 loss to Belgium, an image captured by Getty Images.

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Deschamps also addressed racist comments aimed at Kylian Mbappé, assuring that the French star is OK and focused on tomorrow’s game. He added, “It is out of our control, I trust the referee,” while emphasizing he is not thinking about officiating decisions. While the Moroccan side will be the opponent, Deschamps stressed his concentration remains on beating Morocco rather than contemplating his own future after the tournament. He said, “I’m focused on the Moroccan team so we can win that game.”

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A victory would keep France on track to join Germany and Brazil as the only nations to reach three successive World Cup semi‑finals, a feat first achieved at Qatar 2022. French police are deploying thousands of officers ahead of the Morocco clash to prevent possible unrest, adding another layer of pressure as the team prepares for the decisive quarter‑final.