Fifa reject Michael Olise yellow card appeal after USA controversy
Fifa has rejected an appeal by the French Football Federation to rescind a yellow card given to Michael Olise, leaving the winger at risk of suspension for the World Cup semi-finals.
The Bayern Munich forward was cautioned during a contentious off-the-ball altercation with Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza.
Replays appeared to show the 22-year-old only grabbing his opponent’s shirt, despite Galarza collapsing to the turf holding his face.
Balogun reprieve sparks frustration
France felt they had strong grounds for a successful appeal following an unprecedented decision involving the United States earlier in the tournament.
World football’s governing body recently suspended a one-match ban for American striker Folarin Balogun after US President Donald Trump personally contacted Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
The independent Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of Fifa regulations to allow the US forward to play in their 4-1 last-16 defeat by Belgium.
However, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that his side would not be granted a similar luxury ahead of Thursday’s crucial knockout tie against Morocco.
“There was no change with Olise’s yellow card. We received from Fifa a decision this morning that Olise’s yellow card remains.”
Semi-final permutations
The status of the dynamic attacker was a major concern for Les Bleus as they attempt to reach a third successive World Cup semi-final under Deschamps.
Alongside seven-goal top scorer Kylian Mbappe, the former Crystal Palace playmaker has been one of the standout performers of the North American tournament.
Should the French side progress past Morocco, they will likely face Spain in the semi-finals.
England or Argentina would then potentially await them in the showpiece final on 19 July.
Deschamps must now decide whether to risk his star winger against the North African side, knowing another booking would rule him out of the last four.
England are also reportedly considering an appeal over Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, though the threat of an extended ban could deter the Football Association.