England forward Lauren James has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA, following a red card offence at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The 21-year-old was originally shown a yellow card before the intervention of VAR saw it overturned and it became a red in the Lionesses’ Round of 16 game against Nigeria.
James was deemed to have deliberately stood on the back of defender Michelle Alozie, prompting FIFA to review the decision.
Earlier in the competition, Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun was subject to a similar decision after a late challenge on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence.
The 19-year-old was handed a three-game ban, effectively ending her tournament following the Super Falcon’s last 16 exit.
James, however, could feature once more should the Lionesses overcome Colombia in the quarter-finals.
While she would be unavailable for the semi-final as a result of the suspension, she would be eligible for either the final or the third-place match depending on the outcome of that game.
She has since apologised to Alozie, writing: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened.”
England take on Colombia on Saturday 12 August, kicking off at 11:30 BST.
If they are knocked out, James will continue to serve her suspension outside of the tournament in England’s next fixture.
Source: olympics.com
