Deschamps hopes France–Morocco officials match Argentina–Egypt standard
France coach Didier Deschamps brushed aside fresh refereeing controversy sparked by the fallout from Argentina’s contentious win over Egypt, insisting that his side’s only focus is their World Cup quarterfinal against Morocco.
With debate still raging over French referee François Letexier’s decisions in the Argentina–Egypt match and FIFA’s appointment of an all-Argentine officiating team for France’s last-eight tie, Deschamps refused to be drawn into speculation.
“There are always decisions that can be debated. It all depends on which side you’re on,” he said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
“Our opponent is Morocco, not the referees. I trust the referees,” added the 57-year-old, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018.
Deschamps also defended Letexier, quipping that he hoped the officials for Thursday’s (Friday, 2am Bangladesh time) clash would be “as good as Monsieur Letexier was”, while reiterating that France’s attention remains firmly on the pitch rather than the controversy surrounding it.
The former France midfielder, who was part of the 1998 World Cup-winning team, added that his concern lies with a Moroccan side he described as “here to win”, urging his players to be more clinical in front of goal after their narrow last-16 victory over Paraguay.
As for France’s appeal to have Michael Olise’s yellow card against Paraguay rescinded, Deschamps said FIFA had informed them that the caution would stand.
The ruling comes days after the furore caused by FIFA’s decision to suspend a match ban imposed on US forward Folarin Balogun following an intervention by US President Donald Trump.
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