FIFA has turned down a request from the French national team to wear black armbands in honour of Didier Deschamps' mother, according to RMC Sport. The France head coach missed his side's final World Cup group match against Norway to attend his mother's funeral after she passed away earlier this week.
Minute's Silence for Venezuela Earthquake Victims
A minute's silence was observed before kick-off in Massachusetts, but it was dedicated to the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, where the death toll has climbed to 920. France had hoped to honour Deschamps' mother with black armbands, but FIFA denied the request, instead making alternative arrangements.
Guy Stephan, Deschamps' long-time assistant, stepped in to manage the team in his absence. Stephan has served as Deschamps' trusted deputy for 17 years, having first worked together at Marseille. This marked Stephan's first spell in the dugout since he managed Senegal at the 2002 World Cup.
French Federation Confirms Deschamps' Departure
The French Football Federation (FFF) issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that the World Cup-winning manager had left the United States to return home. The statement read: "Didier Deschamps will not be able to oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway v France match. He will also be absent from the bench for Friday's final Group I game. The national team coach learned this morning of the death of his mother and will return to France to attend her funeral."
The statement added: "In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the France team's base camp, Deschamps has entrusted assistant coach Guy Stephan with responsibility for leading the squad until his return."
Norway's Gesture of Condolences
Before the match, Norway presented Stephan with a bouquet of flowers as a gesture of condolences to Deschamps. Norway made 10 changes to their lineup, with star players Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard relegated to the bench.
France's World Cup Campaign
France had already secured qualification for the knockout rounds before the match against Norway. They could finish the group stage with a perfect record if they overcame Norway. Kylian Mbappe has been instrumental for France, scoring twice in each of their opening victories over Senegal and Iraq.
The knockout rounds are fast approaching for France as they seek revenge for their final loss to Argentina four years ago. Mbappe endured fierce scrutiny following a disappointing first season at Real Madrid, but he has justified his status as France's talisman after a challenging opening 45 minutes against Senegal.
Les Bleus made a lightning-fast start against Norway, with Mbappe hitting the bar inside 30 seconds before providing the assist for Ousmane Dembele, who opened the scoring after just six minutes. The pair combined again 15 minutes later, with Mbappe curling home from outside the box.
FIFA have been approached for comment regarding the black armband decision.
