FIFA denies France black armbands for Deschamps' mother as minute's silence agreed

FIFA has turned down France’s request to wear black armbands in memory of Didier Deschamps’ mother, who died earlier this week, ahead of their Copa America group-stage finale against Norway in Massachusetts on Friday.

According to RMC Sport, an alternative arrangement has been reached: a minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off, though it will be dedicated to the victims of the Venezuela earthquake, where the death toll has risen to 920, rather than specifically to Deschamps’ mother.

Deschamps himself will be absent from the match to attend his mother’s funeral, with assistant coach Guy Stéphan set to take charge of Les Bleus in his place. France have already secured qualification from the group stage and can finish with a perfect record if they defeat Norway.

FIFA has been approached for comment on the armband decision.