“The UEFA Appeals Body has reduced a suspension imposed on England striker Wayne Rooney at a hearing in Nyon,” a statement by European soccer’s governing body read.
“He will be banned for England’s opening two UEFA EURO 2012 matches against France and Sweden but will be eligible for their final Group D fixture against Ukraine.”
Rooney was sent off for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during England’s 2-2 draw at Montenegro on Oct. 7. It was England’s final Euro 2012 qualifier and UEFA banned him for three games a week later.
His original suspension was reduced to two games with a further one-game ban suspended for four years.
If the ban was upheld, Rooney would have missed England’s three group-stage games. That cast serious doubt about his place in the 23-man squad but, barring injury or other unforseen calamity, Rooney will be a key part of manager Fabio Capello‘s plans.
On Thursday, Rooney and Capello traveled to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland to attend the appeal hearing. Rooney previously admitted that he made a “stupid” mistake and Dzudovic even came out in support of the 26-year-old forward.
The experienced Rooney has scored 28 goals in 73 England appearances.
Click here to see Rooney kicking Dzudovic.
