France appeal Michael Olise yellow card in FIFA World Cup 2026 after Folarin Balogun decision – Report
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Michael Olise is in danger of being suspended for the World Cup semi-finals.
France have reportedly launched an appeal to FIFA to rescind the yellow card shown to attacker Michael Olise during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Paraguay.
This move, first reported by The Athletic, follows a surprise decision by the football governing body to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension during the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, his one-match suspension was suspended for 12 months by FIFA, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
This decision has come in for severe criticism, including from the Royal Belgian FA, UEFA, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Also Read: Will Folarin Balogun play tonight for USA vs Belgium?
France follow Balogun precedent
Les Bleus have followed the precedent and have reportedly approached FIFA to overturn the yellow card shown to Olise. The Bayern Munich attacker was booked during the clash against Paraguay following an altercation with Matias Galarza.
Although Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev cautioned Olise, television replays appeared to show the French player merely holding Galarza’s shirt during the skirmish.
If the organisers decide against rescinding the yellow card, Olise is in danger of being suspended for the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals. Les Bleus will face Morocco in the quarter-finals at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 9.
If the Frenchman sees another yellow card in that match, he will miss the upcoming last-four game, should Les Bleus progress. The two-time world champions will face either Portugal, Spain, the USA, or Belgium in that match.
Why did France appeal Michael Olise’s yellow card in FIFA World Cup 2026?
Les Bleus appealed because they believe Olise was unfairly booked against Paraguay, as replays showed he only held Matías Galarza’s shirt.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.