FOXBOROUGH, United States, July 9, (V7N) – France coach Didier Deschamps revealed on Wednesday that FIFA has rejected an appeal against the yellow card shown to Michael Olise in the World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay, leaving the midfielder one caution away from a semi-final suspension.
Olise, one of the tournament's standout performers, was booked in the final minutes of a bad-tempered clash in Philadelphia after an altercation with Matias Galarza. Replays showed minimal contact—Olise put his finger to his mouth, and the Paraguayan player dropped to the ground claiming he had been hit in the face.
"The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning, it has been maintained," Deschamps told reporters on the eve of France's quarter-final against Morocco at Gillette Stadium.
The decision means Olise, along with Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone (both booked against Paraguay), will be suspended for a potential semi-final against Spain or Belgium if they receive another yellow card against Morocco.
Deschamps also provided an injury update, saying midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is recovering from a thigh injury and "may take part in training today," while all other players are available.
The coach refused to stir controversy over the appointment of Argentine referee Facundo Tello for Thursday's tie, despite the rivalry stemming from the 2022 World Cup final—won by Argentina on penalties. "There is nothing I can do about refereeing appointments. I just try to have confidence in the officials," Deschamps said, adding: "I hope that Mr Tello and his assistants will be just as good as Mr Letexier and his assistants."
Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018, will step down after 14 years at the end of this tournament. Thursday's repeat of the 2022 semi-final—which France won 2-0—will be his last if Les Bleus lose. "I am not thinking about that at all," he insisted. "I am focused on this Morocco team and on things going well for us."
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