Chelsea's Lauren James given FIFA verdict following red card in England World Cup win vs Nigeria
Lauren James has been handed a two-match ban after her red card incident between England and Nigeria in their Women's World Cup round of 16 game on Monday.
James, who was sent off for standing on Nigerian forward Michelle Alozie, was initially awarded a yellow card, but following a VAR decision, this was upgraded to a red card.
The ban was initially just for one match but it was confirmed FIFA would be investigating the incident.
Today, Thursday, August 10, FIFA confirmed James would be banned for two matches — meaning if England do reach the final, she will be available to play.
FIFA said in a statement: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England vs Nigeria.
“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.”
James already knew she would miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Colombia following her red card in the game, which England won on penalties.
But fears she could be automatically ruled out for the rest of the tournament could prove unfounded if Sarina Wiegman’s side make it all the way to the final.
Conceivably James, who apologised in the wake of the incident and has been publicly backed by Wiegman, would be available to return in the prospective August 20 showpiece in Sydney.
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