U-20 WC: FIFA Reduce Rabiu's Ban

(From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Egypt, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

ISMAILIA, Oct. 5, GNA - The Federation of International Football Association, (FIFA) has reduced the three-match ban imposed on Black Satellites midfielder, Rabiu Mohammed after he picked a red card during the last Group D game against Uruguay in the U-20 World Cup at the Ismailia Stadium last Friday.

A FIFA response to Ghana's protest of the player's expulsion by Croatian referee Ivan Bebek against the midfielder chanced upon by GNA Sports has reduced the three match ban to two, including the game against Uruguay.

The Croat sent off Rabiu in 74th minute after what appeared to be a mild challenge in the middle and for that Ghana is relying on FIFA to overturn the decision after television replay showed no contact was made between the two players.

The FIFA communiqu=E9 which also crossed out a fine Ghana was mandated to pay for the player's red card said Rabiu will now miss only the knockout game against South Africa on Tuesday and would be available for the quarter final round on Friday.

Ghana pieced together an appeal which includes recorded version of the said tackle that gave birth to the red card few hours after the game in which the Satellites relinquished a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at the end. Rabiu sent Ghana ahead in the 53rd minute when he picked a ball from the right flank, dribbled his way through shredding off challenges from two defenders then took a dummy before capping his effort with a beautiful goal that sealed an individualist effort.

The creative midfielder however on the 75th minute, had a sad end to an otherwise good day when a lame tackle earned him a red card that was to deplete Ghana's midfield.

Rabiu broke down in tears when he exited the pitch in an obvious dismay as to what might have influenced referee Bebek's decision. Ghana struggled after the player's exit and conceded two late goals to gift the South Americans a point which they will later celebrate like a win. 05 Oct. 09