Now France Wants Olise's Yellow Card Wiped Out After Trump's 'VAR' Triggered FIFA's U-Turn

07/07/2026

WASHINGTON, Jul 7: The French Football Federation (FFF) has appealed to FIFA to overturn the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during France's 1-0 World Cup last-16 victory over Paraguay, in a move that comes amid growing controversy over FIFA's decision to reverse USA striker Folarin Balogun's suspension following intervention by US President Donald Trump.

Olise was booked after an incident involving Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza, but French officials argue video replays clearly show the Bayern Munich winger made no contact with Galarza's face and should never have been cautioned.

The yellow card carries significant consequences. If Olise is booked again in Thursday's quarter-final against Morocco and France advances, he would be suspended for a potential semi-final against Spain or Portugal.

Sources familiar with the matter said the FFF has formally appealed the decision to FIFA. While French officials insist the appeal is based solely on the merits of Olise's case, it comes just days after FIFA's controversial reversal of Balogun's automatic one-match ban.

Balogun had been sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA suspended his ban for one year under Article 27 of its disciplinary code after Trump publicly confirmed he had asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision. The move allowed the USA striker to feature against Belgium and triggered widespread criticism across European football.

The Royal Belgian Football Association appealed FIFA's ruling, while UEFA condemned the decision, saying it had "crossed a red line" and left "the integrity of the game... at stake."

UEFA described the reversal as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable," raising concerns that political intervention had undermined FIFA's disciplinary process.

With the Balogun case now setting a controversial precedent, France hopes FIFA will also reconsider Olise's booking before the crucial clash with Morocco, ensuring the winger is not at risk of missing a potential World Cup semi-final over what the FFF believes was an incorrect refereeing decision.