MIAMI: France has appealed to FIFA to overturn a yellow card shown to winger Michael Olise, arguing the booking was unjust and could sideline him if Les Bleus advance further in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to French football officials, video replays show Olise grabbed Paraguay's Matías Galarza by the shirt rather than making contact with his face during an altercation in France's Round of 16 victory.
The French Football Federation said the caution was unwarranted and has formally requested that FIFA rescind the yellow card.
The appeal comes days after the United States sought FIFA's review of a disciplinary decision involving forward Folarin Balogun, though French officials said their case is unrelated.
"The purpose of the appeal is to seek justice," the federation said, rejecting suggestions that the move was influenced by the US appeal.
Olise received the booking following a heated exchange with Galarza during the match against Paraguay.
If the yellow card stands and Olise is booked again in France's quarterfinal, he would be suspended for a potential World Cup semifinal.
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Earlier, United States was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle.
The defeat ended the World Cup campaign of the U.S. Men’s National Team, which is hosting the tournament along with Canada and Mexico. All three host nations have now been knocked out of the competition.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun and a FIFA decision that allowed him to play despite receiving a red card in the previous match.
Belgium’s football association had challenged FIFA decision to suspend Balogun’s ban and allow him to compete against Belgium. The appeal was rejected, with FIFA saying the Belgian association did not have the legal right to challenge the decision.
