Michael Olise faces a potential suspension for a possible World Cup semifinal. The French Football Federation is therefore reportedly considering an appeal against the Bayern star’s yellow card.
Michael Olise could potentially be unavailable for France as the tournament progresses. The FC Bayern forward received a yellow card in the World Cup round of 32 match against Paraguay and is therefore on a caution heading into the next knockout games.
As several French media outlets are reporting in unison, the French Football Federation (FFF) is therefore considering an appeal against the yellow card. Although a final decision has not yet been made, following FIFA’s recent suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card ban, the federation is seriously considering filing an appeal.
Yellow card could have consequences for the semifinals
The background to this is the suspension policy at the World Cup. If Olise receives another yellow card in Thursday’s quarterfinal against Morocco, the 24-year-old would have to sit out a potential semifinal.
The Bayern star received the yellow card in stoppage time of the round of 16 match against Paraguay. After a heated exchange, Olise clashed with Matías Galarza. The Frenchman grabbed his opponent by the jersey and then put his finger to his lips. Galarza then fell to the ground, prompting the referee to show Olise a yellow card.
For France, the absence of the Bayern Munich player would be a major setback. Olise has been one of the standout players of the World Cup so far and leads the tournament’s assist standings with five assists. Most recently, he shone once again in the 3-0 victory over Sweden with two assists and played a decisive role in the Équipe Tricolore’s advancement to the quarterfinals.
Whether the appeal is actually filed and FIFA rescinds the caution is likely to be decided in the coming days.
