France Appeals Michael Olise Yellow Card To FIFA

The French Football Federation has requested that FIFA rescind a yellow card issued to Michael Olise during France's round of 16 victory over Paraguay on Saturday, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. Olise received the caution following a physical exchange with Paraguay's Matias Galarza. Video replays indicated the Bayern Munich forward had grabbed Galarza's shirt rather than his face, despite Galarza falling to the ground clutching his face. The yellow card puts Olise at risk of suspension for a potential World Cup semifinal matchup against Spain or Portugal. He would be forced to sit out that match if he receives another caution during Thursday's quarterfinal against Morocco in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, since they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, confirmed the French federation has formally appealed the ruling to FIFA. FIFA has not yet responded to a request for comment. The federation's appeal arrives shortly after FIFA suspended a one-match ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun. French officials maintain their challenge is unrelated to the Balogun situation and view the Olise card as a separate case of unfair officiating. Balogun was ejected during the Americans' round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina but has since been cleared to face Belgium Monday at Lumen Field in Seattle. FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend his ban for one year. The Royal Belgian Football Association has appealed that decision, drawing sharp criticism from UEFA among others. "We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," said UEFA in a statement Monday. The European governing body added that the ruling had crossed a red line, warning that the integrity of the game was now at stake.