France loses Olise appeal; Saibari out for Morocco
6 reported
France has failed in its attempt to have Michael Olise’s yellow card from the team’s win against Paraguay overturned, according to France manager Didier Deschamps. The booking was issued after Olise clashed with Matias Galarza in stoppage time during France’s 1-0 victory in a last-16 match in Philadelphia. Olise, who has five assists at the 2026 World Cup, would miss the semi-final if he receives another yellow card. Separately, Morocco will be without Ismael Saibari for its quarter-final against France due to a hamstring issue. Saibari scored in each of Morocco’s group games and converted a winning penalty in the last-32 tie.
What’s reported
France’s appeal to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card was unsuccessful.
The yellow card was issued after Olise grabbed Matias Galarza’s shirt during an altercation in stoppage time.
Olise has five assists at the 2026 World Cup.
If Olise receives another yellow card, he would miss the semi-final against Spain or Belgium.
Ismael Saibari is ruled out for Morocco due to a hamstring issue suffered during the last-16 match against Canada.
Saibari scored in each of Morocco’s group games and converted a winning penalty against the Netherlands.
Key figures
Didier Deschamps, France manager
Michael Olise, France winger
Matias Galarza, Paraguay player
Ismael Saibari, Morocco player
Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco coach
Kylian Mbappe, France forward
Joe Hart, former England goalkeeper
Thomas Hitzlsperger, BBC Sport pundit
Ilgiz Tantashev, referee
Folarin Balogun, United States striker
Bradley Barcola, France player
Manu Kone, France player
Gustavo Velazquez, Paraguay player
Dayot Upamecano, France defender
Gabriel Avalos, Paraguay player
Andres Cubas, Paraguay player
Adrien Rabiot, France midfielder
Sources: BBC News
