France have failed in their bid to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card from their World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Wednesday.
The Bayern Munich winger was booked late in the heated encounter in Philadelphia following an altercation with Paraguay’s Matias Galarza. French officials argued the decision was harsh, with replays showing minimal contact between the players. However, FIFA has upheld the referee’s call.
“The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning; it has been maintained,” Deschamps said during a press conference in Foxborough ahead of France’s quarter-final against Morocco.
The decision leaves Olise at risk of suspension. Another booking against Morocco would rule him out of a potential semi-final clash, likely against Spain or Belgium.
Teammates Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone are also one caution away from a ban after being booked in the same match.
Meanwhile, Deschamps provided a cautious update on midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the Paraguay game with a thigh injury. “He is improving and may return to training, but we will assess him,” the coach said, adding that the rest of the squad is fit for selection.
