FIFA rejects France appeal as Michael Olise remains one booking from suspension

• FIFA has rejected France’s appeal to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card from the victory over Paraguay.
• Olise will miss a potential World Cup semifinal if he receives another booking against Morocco.
• Didier Deschamps said Aurélien Tchouaméni is improving while Kylian Mbappé remains fully focused despite recent off-field controversy.

France head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed FIFA has rejected the French Football Federation’s appeal to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card, leaving the midfielder one booking away from suspension ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco.

Olise was cautioned during France’s 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Paraguay following an altercation with Matías Galarza. Replays appeared to show the France midfielder grabbing Galarza’s shirt before the Paraguay player fell to the ground holding his face.

The French Football Federation appealed the booking, believing there were sufficient grounds for it to be rescinded. However, Deschamps revealed FIFA had dismissed the request.

“There was no change with Olise’s yellow card,” Deschamps said.

“We received from FIFA a decision this morning that Olise’s yellow card remains.”

The decision means Olise will be suspended for a potential World Cup semifinal if he receives another caution during Thursday’s quarterfinal against Morocco.

France are preparing to face Morocco in a repeat of the semifinal contested at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Deschamps also provided an update on midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who missed the victory over Paraguay because of a groin injury.

“I don’t have all the information. I had to leave early this morning to get here,” Deschamps said.

“He feels better.”

“He was the only one I had to assess, but he feels better.”

“He might take part in training today.”

“I’ll have to see later on.”

“All the other players are available.”

Deschamps also dismissed concerns surrounding Kylian Mbappé following recent controversy involving comments made by a Paraguayan senator after France’s victory in the previous round.

Mbappé responded publicly to the remarks, but the France coach insisted the forward remains fully focused on the tournament.

“Kylian is OK,” Deschamps said.

“Whatever happened, I don’t want to look back and think about it.”

“He’s a very strong guy mentally and physically.”

“He’s focused on tomorrow’s game.”

“Kylian is feeling OK just like the rest of the group.”

France face Morocco in Boston on Thursday with a place in the World Cup semifinals at stake.