World Cup: France's appeal to overturn Olise's yellow card rejected by FIFA

France's hopes of overturning a yellow card for forward Michael Olise have been dashed as FIFA rejected their appeal. The card, issued during the 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16, means Olise faces a suspension if he is booked in the upcoming quarter-final against Morocco.

Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed FIFA's decision, expressing his disappointment but emphasizing the team's focus on the match. "Olise's yellow card will not change," he stated. "We received FIFA's notification and they decided to maintain the original ruling." The French Football Federation had argued the card was unwarranted, citing a slow-motion replay that showed Olise only tugged the opponent's jersey, not making contact with his face as the Paraguayan player appeared to exaggerate the foul.

France had hoped for a similar outcome to the case of American forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was controversially delayed by FIFA. The rejection of their appeal adds another layer of challenge as they prepare to face a strong Moroccan side.

However, there is positive news for France as Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has recovered from a groin injury and participated in team training. His potential return is a significant boost for the squad. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, who faced controversy due to discriminatory remarks from a Paraguayan senator, has been praised by Deschamps for his mental and physical resilience, with the star player fully focused on the upcoming quarter-final.

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Olise's yellow card will not change. We received FIFA's notification and they decided to maintain the original ruling.