FIFA Extends Jackson’s Ban; Chelsea at Risk

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA after his red card for a studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas during Chelsea’s 3-1 Club World Cup loss to Flamengo. The ban was initially a one-match suspension, but FIFA extended it to two matches after reviewing the incident as serious foul play, making the decision final and unappealable. Jackson will miss Chelsea's crucial group-stage match against ES Tunis and a potential last-16 tie, if the club advances. This is Jackson’s second red card in four matches, raising questions about his discipline and role in the squad, especially following the arrival of new signing Liam Delap. Jackson has publicly apologized and taken responsibility, while manager Enzo Maresca stressed that the fouls were unintentional but harmful to the team. Chelsea faces the risk of tournament elimination with a loss in their next fixture.