Cherki Blasts Uzbek Ref For Ignoring Paraguay Fouls
France advanced to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, but Cherki blasted Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantanashev for allowing the South American team to play aggressively without proper discipline throughout the matc
Rayan Cherki of the French national team criticized the referee in France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, saying the Uzbek official failed to control the match. Referee Ilgiz Tantanashev frustrated the French players by allowing the game to become increasingly aggressive without issuing adequate discipline. Despite the physical nature of play, France remained composed and secured the win.
After the match, Cherki, who came on as a substitute in the second half, stated: "I don't know how Paraguay committed 30 fouls on us without a single yellow card being shown. Today's match showed everyone that French football isn't just about technical skill. But whoever faces us needs to understand what they're up against—this is what you have to prepare for."
