FIFA Rejects France Appeal as Olise Faces Suspension Risk in Morocco Clash

France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Wednesday that FIFA has rejected the French Football Federation's appeal against the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, leaving the winger walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco .

Olise was booked deep into stoppage time during France's tense 1-0 win after an altercation with Paraguay's Matías Galarza . French officials challenged the decision, arguing that television replays showed only minimal contact before Galarza fell to the ground. However, FIFA upheld the caution.

The decision means Olise will enter Thursday's quarterfinal carrying a yellow card, and another booking would rule him out of a potential semifinal.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Deschamps said the team had received FIFA's decision earlier in the day and accepted that the matter was now closed. Despite the setback, the French coach insisted his focus remained firmly on Morocco rather than on refereeing debates.

France are chasing a place in the semifinals for the third consecutive World Cup, a feat achieved previously only by Germany and Brazil . The quarterfinal also revives memories of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, where France defeated Morocco on their way to the final.

Deschamps' press conference was dominated by questions beyond the pitch, including racist remarks directed at Kylian Mbappé , concerns over officiating, and the coach's impending departure after the tournament. The 57-year-old, who captained France to the 1998 World Cup title and guided the team to the 2018 triumph as coach, brushed aside speculation about his future.

He said Mbappé remained mentally strong and fully focused on the challenge ahead, while emphasizing that the squad's only objective was to beat Morocco and continue their pursuit of another world title.

With tensions high and authorities in France preparing extensive security measures ahead of the match, the quarterfinal promises to be one of the tournament's most closely watched encounters.