FIFA, France and Morocco
Before Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final
FIFA has appointed an all-Argentine officiating crew for France’s quarter-final against Morocco, led by referee Facundo Tello. The decision drew attention because Argentina remain in the tournament and could become a direct rival to France later.
France publicly downplayed concern, with Dayot Upamecano and Robin Risser saying the team must focus on Morocco. FIFA says appointments are merit-based, but the single-nationality crew has added another refereeing debate to a tense tournament.