France’s hopes of overturning a controversial yellow card for star midfielder Michael Olise have been dashed, with FIFA upholding the decision, coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Wednesday. The ruling means Olise now faces a potential suspension for a World Cup semi-final should he receive another booking during France’s quarter-final clash with Morocco on Thursday.
"There was no change when it comes to Olise’s yellow card. We received FIFA’s decision this morning that the yellow card was maintained," Deschamps stated. The French federation had appealed the infraction, issued to Olise in the 97th minute of their 1-0 victory over Paraguay following an altercation with Matías Galarza. While Galarza went to ground, video replays appeared to show Olise merely grasping the Paraguayan’s jersey before he toppled.