France have failed in their attempt to overturn the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during their FIFA World Cup round-of-16 victory over Paraguay after FIFA rejected the appeal.
The Bayern Munich star was booked in the closing stages of the heated encounter following an altercation with Paraguay’s Matias Galarza.
Speaking ahead of France’s quarter-final clash against Morocco, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that FIFA had upheld the referee’s decision.
“The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning, it has been maintained,” Deschamps said.
Television replays appeared to show little contact between Olise and Galarza. The French winger was seen placing a finger in front of his mouth before the Paraguayan player fell to the ground, claiming he had been struck in the face.
With the booking standing, Olise now faces the risk of suspension if he receives another yellow card against Morocco, ruling him out of a potential semi-final against Spain or Belgium.
France will also have to manage the disciplinary concerns of Bradley Barcola and Manu Koné, who are also one booking away from suspension.
Deschamps, however, provided a positive update on midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who missed the Paraguay match with a thigh injury.
“Aurelien is doing better. I can’t say more than that. He will maybe take part in training today but I will need to see. The others are all available,” he added.
Source: AFP
