FIFA called out over double standards after Lauren James ban

An England star learnt her fate after an ugly act, but the sanction handed down has left fans calling out the governing body over favouritism.

2 min read

August 11, 2023 - 1:44PM

Lauren James only given two-match ban

England’s star forward Lauren James was handed a two-match ban from FIFA after her stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie that earned her a red card during the Women’s World Cup last 16.

The 21-year-old Chelsea attacker was sent off in the 87th minute of Monday’s match in Brisbane, which European champions England went on to win on penalties.

FIFA upgraded the punishment to include an additional game which means James will be available to return should the Lionesses reach the final on August 20.

The ruling however didn’t sit well with fans who called out the governing body for favouring England and not handing down a World Cup ending ban of three matches.

Fans far and wide online were quick to point out the three-match ban that was handed down to Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun.

The challenge that resulted in a three-match ban

Abiodun was shown a yellow card after her challenge on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence in the group stages before VAR saw it upgraded to a red card.

FIFA then imposed a three-match ban.

Abiodun’s tackle was deemed mistimed and unintentional while James was intentional and unprofessional.

@FIFAcom You guys should Bury your heads in shame over there. Such fiendish act from @laurenjamess22 is trivialised and made to seem less severe compared to that of Abiodun tackle. This reeks of prejudice of the highest level. https://t.co/KVIeNFuYNs
— TDBankz (@tdbanksboss) August 10, 2023

Deborah Abiodun gets a 3 match ban for a mistimed tackle while Lauren James gets two match ban for a deliberate stomp on Alozie.@FIFAcom una well-done.

Double standards. pic.twitter.com/Wi2e6waLqw
— Ayodeji Genius (@Ayodejigenius) August 10, 2023

FIFA should learn how to be consistent with their decision. Can't believe Deborah Abiodun missed three matches while Lauren James will miss two.

James was intentional while Deborah couldn't avoid that tackle. #FIFAWomensWorldCup2023
— LetsCode (@adedokun_moses) August 10, 2023

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman said James would learn a valuable lesson from the monumental brain fade.

“It’s a huge lesson to learn but it’s not something she has done on purpose. She is the sweetest person,” she said.

“Look, that happens sometimes with human beings, they are in such a high intensity, emotional game, and in a split second she lost her emotions.

“She apologised and she felt really, really bad.

“But she doesn’t want to hurt anyone.”

James apologised to Alozie over the incident, tweeting: “All my love and respect to you.” “I am sorry for what happened,” added James.

Separately, the England team released a statement of their own saying: “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse.

“It is wholly out of character for her.”

James’ moment of madness. (Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Abiodun given her marching orders. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

England will take on Colombia in a quarterfinal contest on Saturday, August 12 at 8:30pm (AEST).

The winner of the match will advance to the semi-finals where they’ll take on the winner of Australia vs France.

Colombia coach Nelson Abadia is treating their clash on Saturday against England like a chess game, confident his side’s strength of character will carry them through to the semi-finals.

The fourth-ranked European champions will be favourites to win in Sydney, but the South Americans stunned world number two Germany in the group phase and are brimming with confidence.

“We know all the history that England brings in football, it’s important,” said Abadia, whose ambitious 25th-ranked side made the last eight for the first time by edging Jamaica 1-0.

“But for me, it’s 11 against 11 and the optimism is the same we have for every match.