FIFA have been called out by football fans after denying France’s request to honour Didier Deschamps’ late mother, Ginette, at the 2026 World Cup.

France defeated a weakened Norway side on Saturday afternoon at Boston Stadium to clinch top spot in Group I. Norway made 10 changes to their side that beat Senegal and Les Bleus took full advantage as they picked up all three points.

Ousmane Dembele scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick and Desire Doue got on the scoresheet in the fourth minute of stoppage-time to give the two-time world champions a 4-1 victory.

France manager Didier Deschamps was not present at the match after his mother passed away earlier this week. The French Football Federation (FFF) said in a statement on Tuesday:

“The national team coach was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of his mother.

“In agreement with Philippe Diallo, President of the French Football Federation, who is present at the French national team’s training camp, Didier Deschamps has entrusted his assistant, Guy Stephan, with the responsibility of leading the squad until his return. During this extremely painful time, we ask for your utmost respect and restraint.”

France Have Request to Honour Didier Deschamps’ Mother Denied By FIFA

REUTERS/Mandel Ngan

France had plans to honour Deschamps’ late mother for their match against Norway. They planned to wear black armbands in tribute to Ginette, but FIFA denied their request, according to The Athletic.

FIFA’s decision has not gone down well on social media, with many users on Reddit expressing their annoyance. One user said: ‘What could possibly be the reason to say no to that?’ while another stated: ‘Just when you think you can’t hate FIFA anymore…’

A third commented: ‘FIFA is a joke’ while a fourth wrote: ‘Would it kill FIFA to do something good for once?’

There was also confusion surrounding the minute’s silence. A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, with the FFF telling journalists that it was in tribute to Deschamps’ late mother.

However, they clarified shortly after that they were mistaken, with FIFA telling them the silence had been prearranged in honour of the victims of the Venezuelan earthquake.

Didier Deschamps To Return to France Squad

Lev Radin/Sipa USA via Reuters

Deschamps’ assistant, Stephan, revealed after their victory against Norway that France’s long-serving manager would make his return this weekend. He said after the match, per the Mirror:

“The players did what they had to do [against Norway]. They were very affected by this loss. They heard Didier talk and tell them that he had to leave. They did hear that from Didier directly.

“They are very close to Didier and wanted to do something special on the pitch… I did congratulate them at the end of the match and said Didier will be back for the training session tomorrow and [before] the Round of 32.”

France, considered the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy for a third time on July 19, will face Sweden in the last 32 of the competition. If they come through that tie, a mouthwatering last 16 clash against Germany could be in store.

Arsenal face a new challenge to seal a deal for a wonderkid target this summer, as Premier League rivals have now joined the race for their signature, according to BBC Sport.

The Gunners are planning for the future, having won the league title for the first time in 22 years, with plans to repeat that feat for many years to come.

While there is a blend of peak-age players with some younger talents, Mikel Arteta appears keen to add further depth to the youth ranks for the future, handing the team even more opportunities to secure long-term options.

One target that hits that criteria is a Paris Saint-Germain youngster, who Arsenal are now facing a fight to land this summer.

Bournemouth Join Emmanuel Mbemba Transfer Race

Arsenal have been seeking out a possible deal to sign PSG youngster Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer at the end of his contract this summer.

The 18-year-old is a defender who can play as a left-back and a centre-back, having shown great promise with the French champions during his time in their youth academy setup.

Arsenal have submitted a proposal in the hopes of landing Mbemba, but BBC Sport reports that Premier League rivals Bournemouth are looking to hijack a move.

It’s claimed that the Cherries have held initial talks over a deal, which would see him join the club and given a pathway through their sister club, Lorient.

It hands the youngster a clear pathway that may not be available at Arsenal, though the report claims that the Gunners’ offer has impressed him.

That leaves a key decision at the hands of the PSG wonderkid, who will seemingly have the pick of some top teams to join when he becomes a free agent in the coming weeks.

Arsenal’s Pathway Challenge

Given how strong the Arsenal squad is, with depth in every single position, it’s clear how much of a challenge it will be for the club to create a pathway for young stars.

While there are exceptions, like those for Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly, there have been challenges for stars such as Ethan Nwaneri.

It makes it a challenge for the Gunners to tempt some stars to the club, and that could prove costly in the race to land a player like Mbemba this window.

With Bournemouth’s clear pathway, through the use of their multi-club model, Arsenal may well be on the backfoot to prove they are the best destination for young stars.

Arsenal have set a clear stance on the potential sale of a key star this summer, as The Mirror reports that European giants have been monitoring the Gunners ace in recent days.

The North London club are keen to improve the squad for next season, after an impressive campaign that saw them end the long wait to win a Premier League title, while going close to landing a first Champions League triumph.

Any possible incomings will need to be offset by exits, however, as the squad appears filled with talent in every single position at Mikel Arteta‘s disposal.

Despite that, some clear options for sales will be off the table, as Arsenal have set a firm stance on a star leaving the club.

Arsenal Set Piero Hincapie Stance

Arsenal have made it clear that they won’t entertain offers for Piero Hincapie this summer, according to The Mirror, as clubs line up a potential deal for the defender.

It’s claimed that Real Madrid have been showing interest in the versatile star, with chief scout Juni Calafat in attendance for Ecuador’s clash with the Ivory Coast to monitor the Arsenal ace.

Los Blancos are believed to be joined by Barcelona in the race for Hincapie, but it’s a race that the Gunners are looking to shut down immediately.

The stance of no sale means Hincapie is set to stay at the Emirates Stadium, regardless of any offer that could come in from the Spanish giants, as they are both on the lookout for possible centre-back options.

Hincapie joined Arsenal last summer on an initial loan move from Bayer Leverkusen, which was made permanent in recent days with a £34.5 million buy option in his deal.

The 24-year-old signed a contract until 2031, meaning he is contracted for the next five years, making an exit all the more unlikely.

Why Arteta Wants To Keep Hincapie

It’s clear why Arteta wants to keep Hincapie at Arsenal, with the star encapsulating everything that has made the Gunners good in recent years.

The manager explained it best when he discussed the star earlier this year, stating: “When I spoke to Xabi [Alonso] just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior’.

“He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had.

“He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years. He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character.”

Arsenal will now have that warrior for years to come, with any approach set to be rejected this summer.