Three Lionesses of England forward Lauren James has been hit with a two-match suspension by FIFA for the red card she picked up against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
The length of suspension means that if England beat Colombia on Saturday then James will miss the semifinal against either Australia or France.
However, the two-match ban means she will be available for the final or third-place playoff depending on how the Lionesses fare if they reach the final four.
James was shown a red card in the 87th minute of England’s round-of-16 fixture against Nigeria after she was seen stamping on Michelle Alozie’s back.
England eventually got through the tricky tie 4-2 on penalties but had to manage extra time with 10 players.
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She could have picked up a three-match suspension — therefore ending her World Cup — but the FIFA disciplinary committee deemed the offence worthy of a two-match ban, the lower end of the scale for serious foul play.
The 21-year-old has since issued a public apology, posting to her Instagram account: “All my love and respect to [Michelle Alozie]. I am sorry for what happened.
“Also, for our England fans and my teammates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”
James made her first World Cup start for England against Denmark and scored the winner in their 1-0 win.
Against China she was the star player as England won 6-1 with James scoring twice and provided three assists.
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COMMENTS
Hypocrisy!!
Because her FA came to appeal the cards, FIFA reduced her ban but Nigerian FA can not put down their feets for Deborah Abiodun who was banned for 3 strait matches. NFF, please learn to fight when it is necessary.
Did they even appeal in the first place….? They were too busy fighting for who would take custody of the $60000 fifa wants to pay the players.
The english fa appealed the sending off immediately after the game on Monday. Whether it had an effect or not we can’t tell, but it shows responsible leadership
The whole world saw James deliberate, and almost in slow motion step on Alozie’s kidney. Such violent conduct attracts a 3 not 2-match ban!!
FIFA reasoned that a bunch of illiterates called the NFF were not aware of disciplinary procedures and would not raise any objection.
Where did we go wrong? Who do us like this? How is Deborah Abiodun given 3 match ban for something that wasn’t deliberate and James only got 2 match ban for that violent conduct?? Why didn’t the NFF appeal the decision to ban Deborah for 3 matches?? Or is FIFA being hypocritical?? Or double standard?? Somebody in the FA must explain. Or is it just money that we worry about at international tournaments??
Hehehehe!!!!
The Technical Crew could be mere politicians who do not even know what their mission at the world championships entails.
Nigeria is blessed with an array of former football superstars, who understand international football politics, unfortunately the politicians will not allow them to come close to football administration arena.
They are more interested in the money they have come there to make , and this is sad.
Are the people in authority listening, and are they going to do anything about it ? The answer is No.