Morocco FIFA Disciplinary Appeal Quarter-Final France
Four Moroccan players cautioned against Canada, France considering an approach for Michael Olise, and Balogun finally allowed to play with the United States: FIFA’s disciplinary management raises a simple question. Can Morocco also defend its players?
Morocco won its round of 16 match against Canada, but it came out with a real disciplinary problem. Redouane Halhal was cautioned in the 20th minute, Achraf Hakimi in the 40th, Azzedine Ounahi in the 45th and Bilal El Khannouss in added time of the first half. Four yellow cards in one half, for four important or useful players in Mohamed Ouahbi’s rotation.
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The issue is not merely symbolic. A new yellow card against France in the quarter-final could deprive some Atlas Lions of a possible semi-final. Hakimi, Ounahi or El Khannouss will therefore have to play with this threat hanging over them, in a match where intensity, duels and defensive transitions will be decisive.
It is precisely for this reason that Morocco can look at what is happening elsewhere. According to RMC Sport, the French Football Federation is considering appealing to FIFA regarding the yellow card received by Michael Olise against Paraguay. The Blues believe that the images do not justify the caution given to the Bayern Munich player.
FIFA has already opened a breach
The Folarin Balogun case has also changed the atmosphere. Sent off with the United States against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the American striker was supposed to miss the next match. FIFA ultimately suspended the execution of his sanction on a probationary basis, relying on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code. The red card did not really disappear, but the suspension is not applied immediately.
For Morocco, the argument is there. If the United States can benefit from a disciplinary adjustment, if France can consider an approach for Olise, the FRMF can also request a review of the most questionable Moroccan cautions. It would not be about claiming a privilege, but the same interpretation of the rules for everyone.
The margin exists. FIFA’s Disciplinary Code provides that its Disciplinary Commission can cancel certain cautions that did not result in expulsion or suspension, particularly when the integrity of the competition and equal treatment are at stake. The approach remains difficult, because the referee’s decisions are generally protected. But it is not impossible.
Morocco would therefore be well advised to act quickly, with a precise file: images, slow-motion replays, context of the actions and sporting consequences. The objective would not be to contest the entire refereeing of the match against Canada, but to target the yellow cards that can really weigh on the rest of the World Cup.
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Just days before the quarter-final against France, the Atlas Lions already have a tactical battle to prepare. But they also have, perhaps, a disciplinary case to defend before FIFA.
