FIFA hands England’s Quansah two-game ban after red card

England defender Jarell Quansah will be absent for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway after FIFA handed him a two-game suspension. The Bayer Leverkusen player received a straight red card during the last 16 match against Mexico, which was only shown after a VAR review.

Quansah's ban presents a significant selection dilemma for coach Thomas Tuchel, particularly at right-back. Chelsea captain Reece James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving Quansah and Djed Spence as the primary options for the position, though both have faced difficulties. James's availability for the quarter-final remains uncertain as he missed training on Wednesday. This situation may force Ezri Konsa to shift to right-back, with John Stones potentially moving into central defense.

The English Football Association is reportedly exploring avenues to appeal Quansah's suspension. This consideration comes in the wake of USA striker Folarin Balogun's ban being controversially suspended by FIFA. Balogun was cleared to play after a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to the global governing body. Coach Tuchel expressed his bewilderment after the match in Mexico City, questioning the consistency of FIFA's decisions: "Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What's going on? Where to draw the line is the question that I ask?"

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Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What's going on? Where to draw the line is the question that I ask?