FIFA confirmed on July 8 that it rejected the French Football Federation’s appeal to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card, meaning France’s most creative attacker will sit out the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
What happened on the pitch
Olise picked up the yellow card during stoppage time of France’s 1-0 round-of-16 win over Paraguay. France’s coaching staff filed a formal appeal with FIFA, arguing the card should be rescinded. FIFA disagreed.
Didier Deschamps publicly acknowledged the decision. Olise is now one yellow card away from missing a possible semi-final against either Spain or Belgium, adding tension to France’s playoff run.
Olise has been arguably France’s most impactful player at this tournament, racking up five assists across the group stage and knockout rounds. Morocco, for their part, have their own personnel concerns. Midfielder Ismael Saibari will miss the quarter-final due to a thigh injury.
