World Cup 2026: France request Olise’s yellow card cancellation before Morocco clash

France have reportedly asked FIFA to cancel the yellow card shown to Michael Olise ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco, adding another chapter to the growing refereeing controversy surrounding the 2026 tournament.

According to reports from Monte Carlo Radio, the French Football Federation has formally submitted a request to FIFA seeking the removal of the caution Olise received during France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16.

The move comes only hours after FIFA faced heavy criticism for suspending the automatic ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to feature against Belgium despite receiving a red card earlier in the tournament.

That decision triggered strong backlash from both the Belgian Football Federation and UEFA, with concerns mounting over possible challenges to disciplinary rulings during the World Cup.

France dispute late booking against Paraguay

Olise was booked in the 90th minute following an incident involving Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza during France’s narrow victory.

The caution was shown after the Bayern Munich winger pulled his opponent’s shirt before Galarza went to ground holding his face.

However, the French federation reportedly believes the footage does not show any direct contact to the face and argues that the yellow card should not have been issued.

According to Monte Carlo Radio, France backed their appeal with multiple video clips aimed at proving the challenge did not warrant disciplinary punishment.

Semi-final suspension risk driving French concern

The issue carries major importance for France national football team ahead of their meeting with Morocco national football team.

Olise is currently one booking away from suspension, meaning another yellow card against Morocco would rule him out of a potential semi-final should France progress.

French officials are therefore hoping FIFA will overturn the warning so the player can enter the quarter-final without the immediate threat of suspension hanging over him.

Balogun controversy continues to dominate tournament

The latest appeal arrives while FIFA continues to face scrutiny over the Folarin Balogun case.

World football’s governing body recently decided to suspend the automatic punishment linked to Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, making the American striker eligible to face Belgium in the Round of 16.

The ruling sparked angry reactions from the Belgian federation, which issued two separate statements condemning the decision and warning that it was prepared to pursue all possible legal avenues.

UEFA also reportedly criticised FIFA’s handling of the matter, claiming the decision could damage the integrity of the competition and create a dangerous precedent for future disciplinary cases.