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Inspired by Trump's Call, France Asks FIFA to Cancel Michael Olise's Yellow Card

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The French Football Federation (FFF) is appealing to FIFA to overturn a yellow card issued to player Michael Olise.
  • The appeal follows FIFA's precedent of rescinding a red card for US player Folarin Balogun after a request from then-US President Donald Trump.
  • France hopes Olise's yellow card will be canceled to prevent him from missing a potential semifinal match.

The French Football Federation (FFF) is seeking to have Michael Olise's yellow card overturned by FIFA, citing a recent precedent set by the governing body. Olise received the caution during France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, following a dispute with Paraguay's Matias Galarza.

The appeal that France is submitting is not separate from FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card.

— Source from the French campExplaining the motivation behind the FFF's appeal.

France's appeal is directly inspired by FIFA's decision to cancel a red card for American player Folarin Balogun. Balogun had been sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina but was allowed to play in the next round after FIFA reviewed the decision, reportedly following a call from then-US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Infantino acknowledged discussing Balogun's case with Trump but stated the final decision rested with FIFA's independent judicial bodies. Trump, however, claimed credit for prompting the review. This precedent has drawn criticism, with the Belgian Football Association expressing disappointment. The FFF now believes Olise's yellow card, issued after he appeared to only hold Galarza's jersey during a scuffle, warrants similar reconsideration.

We discussed the case with President Trump. The final decision was made by FIFA's independent judicial bodies according to the applicable procedures.

— Gianni InfantinoAddressing the influence of President Trump's call on the Balogun red card decision.

Sources indicate that France aims to ensure Olise, 24, is not suspended for the semifinal should he receive another yellow card in the upcoming quarterfinal match against Morocco. This move by France adds to a growing trend of teams challenging referee decisions following the Balogun case, with the English FA reportedly considering an appeal for Jarell Quansah's red card.

I managed to get FIFA to review the Balogun case.

— Donald TrumpClaiming his role in prompting FIFA's review of the Balogun red card.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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