France have formally requested FIFA to overturn Michael Olise's yellow card from their World Cup match against Paraguay, following the precedent set by the rescinding of Folarin Balogun's red card. The French Football Federation (FFF) lodged an appeal after replays showed Olise only grabbed Matias Galarza's shirt, not his face, during a confrontation.
Controversial caution could impact semi-final hopes
Olise was booked in the round of 16 clash after Galarza fell clutching his face. However, television replays clearly showed no contact with the Paraguayan's face. The yellow card did not result in a sending off, but it puts Olise at risk: a further booking in the quarter-final against Morocco would rule him out of a potential semi-final. According to ESPN, the FFF made clear their intention to challenge the decision, believing the available footage supports their case.
Balogun precedent fuels appeal
The appeal follows FIFA's decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card for one year, allowing him to play in the round of 16 against Belgium. That decision sparked widespread controversy. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the matter. Infantino stated the case would be reviewed by an independent commission. Belgium issued furious statements, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—the team Balogun was dismissed against—called the reversal "disgraceful."
Tuchel weighs in on yellow card controversy
England manager Thomas Tuchel also commented on the Balogun situation, acknowledging the red card was incorrect but questioning the process of the reversal. He suggested that yellow cards shown to Olise and England's Declan Rice should also be rescinded. The Football Association is considering an appeal against Jarell Quansah's red card from England's match against Mexico, which could see him banned for the quarter-final against Norway.
Rice, Nico O'Reilly, and Marc Guehi are all one booking away from suspension for a potential semi-final. Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a freak arm injury requiring surgery.
