The French Football Federation (FFF) has appealed to FIFA to overturn the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay, a decision that could prove crucial ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
Olise, one of France’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was cautioned after an altercation with Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza in the Round of 16.
Television replays appeared to show the Bayern Munich winger grabbing Galarza’s shirt, despite the Paraguay player falling to the ground holding his face.
If the booking is upheld, Olise will enter France’s quarter-final against Morocco one yellow card away from suspension. Another caution would rule him out of a potential semi-final against either Spain or Portugal should France progress.
According to sources familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the appeal publicly, the FFF has formally asked FIFA to rescind the caution.
FIFA has not commented on the request.
The French federation said its appeal is based solely on what it believes was an incorrect refereeing decision and is not connected to FIFA’s recent disciplinary ruling involving United States striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun was initially sent off during the USA’s Round of 16 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and handed a one-match suspension.
However, FIFA later suspended the ban for one year under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, allowing the striker to feature in the quarter-final against Belgium.
The decision drew strong criticism from UEFA, which questioned the governing body’s handling of the disciplinary process.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said FIFA’s ruling had “crossed a red line”, adding that “the integrity of the game … [is] at stake.”
The European governing body also said it expressed “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”
