Michael Olise still faces the possibility of a suspension. FIFA has rejected the French Football Federation’s appeal against the controversial yellow card issued to the Bayern star.
There’s no reprieve for Michael Olise. The FC Bayern forward will enter the World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco with a yellow card. FIFA has rejected the French Football Federation’s (FFF) appeal against the caution he received in the round of 16 match against Paraguay.
As a result, the yellow card stands—and Olise faces a suspension for a potential semifinal match if he receives another caution.
France’s national team coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the decision on Wednesday: “Nothing has changed. We received a notice from FIFA this morning; the decision stands.”
France’s appeal fails
The FFF had requested that the yellow card be rescinded following the 1-0 victory over Paraguay. The request stemmed from a controversial incident in stoppage time when Olise clashed with Paraguay’s Matías Galarza.
The TV footage subsequently sparked debate. It showed that the Bayern Munich player apparently did not make contact with his opponent. Instead, Olise merely held his finger to his mouth, whereupon Galarza fell to the ground and mimicked a punch. Nevertheless, referee Ilgis Tantaschew issued a yellow card to the French national team player.
FIFA, however, sees no reason to overturn the decision. As a result, Olise will enter Thursday night’s quarterfinal against Morocco with a yellow card already on his record.
With five assists, Bayern star Olise is currently the World Cup’s leading assist provider and ranks among the Équipe Tricolore’s most important offensive players. Alongside him, Bradley Barcola and Manu Koné also remain on a yellow card after receiving them against Paraguay.