Didier Deschamps has expressed that he remains unconcerned regarding the selection of Argentinian referees for the World Cup quarter-final match between France and Morocco on Thursday, which could potentially lead to a rematch of the 2022 final against Argentina. “I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee.” he stated. “Let’s hope ours are as good as Monsieur Letexier was,”
However, the head coach of France is not typically known for his diplomatic demeanor. In a notably combative moment during his press conference, Deschamps spent over 90 seconds at the end explaining why he could not entertain one final question, before reluctantly providing a response, albeit with visible irritation. He took the opportunity to comment on critics—particularly from North African media—who had scrutinized the officiating by François Letexier in the last-16 match between Argentina and Egypt on Tuesday.
“There’s been a certain bitterness for a few years now since the last final, but that’s part of the game,” he remarked. Deschamps also dismissed inquiries from a Moroccan journalist regarding a potential penalty for a foul on Sofiane Boufal during the World Cup semi-final clash between the two teams in 2022.
The theme of integrity has gained prominence recently, particularly with the appointment of Facundo Tello as the referee, supported by two Argentinian assistants, a reserve assistant, and a fourth official, which has drawn scrutiny. Argentina reacted strongly to a misunderstood comment from Kylian Mbappé prior to the last tournament about European successes in recent World Cups, which partly incited a racist chant during their victory celebrations after the final in Doha. Tensions have persisted between the two sides since then.
“If these referees are there, it’s because they’re up to the level of the competition.” commented Robin Risser, France’s reserve goalkeeper, while attempting to downplay the situation that had gained traction on social media. “unworthy of your position”
Simultaneously, the fallout from the contentious last-16 victory over Paraguay lingers. Celeste Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical party, has deleted social media posts that included racial slurs aimed at Kylian Mbappé, whose penalty secured the win for France, while also demanding an apology for Mbappé’s characterization of her as “They don’t have the profile of Paraguay,” unfit for her role. The Paraguayan government and Infantino condemned Amarilla’s comments, with French authorities currently investigating the matter.
France’s players demonstrated exceptional restraint during the match against Paraguay, while their federation expressed discontent over the circumstances that led to the suspension of USA forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, which stemmed from a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an appeal concerning a yellow card issued to Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich player was cautioned after Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza fell dramatically, clutching his face, when replays showed Olise had merely tugged at his shirt.
Deschamps confirmed that FIFA has upheld the yellow card, noting that there was no invocation of article 27 of the disciplinary code, unlike in the case of Balogun, seemingly following an intervention from Donald Trump.
Emphasizing the challenges posed by Morocco, Deschamps stated, “We will need to be very effective because this Morocco is of very high quality. The level rises as you climb the mountain. Mindset doesn’t win matches but it can make you lose them.”
As he prepares to step down from his position after this tournament, the quarter-final may serve as Deschamps’s farewell. “The goal is to do everything to make sure it goes well,” he added. “That is the only thing driving me.”
