Tribal Football

France appeal over Olise yellow card fails ahead of Morocco clash despite Balogun decision

France appeal over Olise yellow card fails ahead of Morocco clash despite Balogun decision
France appeal over Olise yellow card fails ahead of Morocco clash despite Balogun decisionREUTERS

FIFA has rejected an appeal made by the French Football Federation to rescind Michael Olise's yellow card against Paraguay.

Balogun, sent off in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, was available to play in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday night as FIFA overturned his red card. 

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The global football body announced that it had suspended the red card after United States President Donald Trump urged FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the case in what is perhaps the most controversial moment of the tournament so far. 

Olise was booked during the round of 16 tie following an altercation with Matías Galarza who collapsed to the floor holding his face. 

France coach Didier Deschamps revealed Wednesday that an appeal against the decision to card the Bayern Munich star had been made, with the French Federation hoping that it could be overturned much like Balogun’s. 

Despite their pleas, Deschamps revealed their request to FIFA has been rejected which means Olise now runs the risk of being suspended for a later stage of the tournament. 

"The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by Fifa this morning, it has been maintained.” 

The good news for Deschamps however is that Morocco will be without key player Ismael Saibari who has grabbed goals in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, 1-0 win against Scotland and 4-2 victory against Haiti. 

Deschamps also revealed that striker Kylian Mbappé is ready to face Morocco, stating that he is “okay” to start the game. 

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