FIFA rejects France's appeal to clear Olise after Trump secured Balogun reprieve

Michael Olise will face Morocco in France’s World Cup quarter-final on Thursday under the threat of suspension after FIFA rejected the French Football Federation’s appeal to have his yellow card overturned. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the decision on Wednesday, saying: “There was no change with Olise’s yellow card. We received from FIFA a decision this morning that Olise’s yellow card remains.”

The Bayern Munich winger was booked during France’s group-stage match against Paraguay following an off-ball altercation with midfielder Matías Galarza, who went to ground holding his face. Replays appeared to show Olise only grabbing Galarza’s shirt without making facial contact, giving the FFF grounds to believe the card could be rescinded.

The appeal was lodged in the wake of FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban after a personal request from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee ruled under Article 27 of FIFA regulations that Balogun would be available for the United States’ last-16 tie against Belgium — a game the USA ultimately lost 4-1.

That intervention drew widespread criticism from rival nations, and France’s failed appeal has deepened the sense of unease around FIFA’s handling of disciplinary matters at this tournament. England were also reported to be weighing an appeal over Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, though the risk of any ban being extended is said to be a significant deterrent.

For Deschamps, the practical consequence is that he must manage Olise carefully against Morocco. A second yellow card would rule the 23-year-old out of the semi-final, forcing the France coach to weigh his influence on the game against the cost of losing him at a later stage.

Olise has been one of the standout players of the tournament alongside Kylian Mbappé, who has scored seven goals in North America. France are chasing a repeat of their 2022 World Cup run, when they beat Morocco in the semi-finals before losing the final to Argentina — a potential rematch that could await them again if both sides progress.

A win on Thursday would likely set up a semi-final against Spain, with the final scheduled for 19 July. Victory in that run would also mark the third successive major tournament in which Deschamps has guided France to the last four.