England forward Lauren James has had her Women’s World Cup ban extended to two games — but could feature again at the tournament if Sarina Wiegman’s side make the final.
James was sent off during her side’s round of 16 victory over Nigeria for an apparent stamp on Michelle Alozie.
Her red card — upgraded from a yellow by the referee after a pitchside review — ruled her out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Colombia.
FIFA has now confirmed she would also miss a semi-final against Australia or France, should England get there, but would be free to feature in any final or third-placed play-off.
If England lose to Colombia at Stadium Australia in Sydney, James will be suspended for her country’s next international fixture.
A statement from FIFA on Thursday said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of art. 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.”
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