Tuesday, 26th March, 2013
Europe’s football-governing body UEFA has decided to reduce Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s ban from two games to one after Paris Saint-Germain appealed the red card decision handed out to the Swede. This means that Ibrahimovic will now be able to play for PSG in their quarter-final first leg against La Liga giants Barcelona in the Champions League.
Ibrahimovic was sent off in the 90th minute in PSG’s first leg match against Valencia in the Round of 16, for a tackle on Andres Guardado, which saw the Swedish forward banned for two games. But after winning the appeal, Ibrahimovic will now be available for PSG against Barcelona as he already served his one-match ban when the Parisian club faced Valencia in the return leg.
PSG stated a "procedural error" in their appeal, arguing that the ball was no longer in play when Ibrahimovic made the challenge on Guardado. UEFA sided with the French club and agreed to reduce the ban.
Ibrahimovic, signed from AC Milan in the summer on a five-year deal, has been in fantastic form for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season, clocking up 35 goals and 15 assists in all competitions and the PSG manager will be looking for the Swede to continue his form when PSG face Barcelona in their Champions League match.
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PSG will be returning to action with a busy schedule in three days’ time, starting with a league match against defending champions Montpellier on 29th March followed by a crunch quarter-final first leg clash against Barcelona in the Champions League four days later on 2nd April. Both matches will be held on home ground at the Parc des Princes.
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