M'Vila France ban reduced by four months

Feb 2, 2013 10:27:00 AM

The controversial midfielder has been handed renewed hope of being selected for World Cup 2014 after seeing his suspension for the national side revised

Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila can dream of featuring at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil again after his France ban was reduced by four months on appeal.

The former Stade Rennais star was initially banned until June 30, 2014, but he will now be available for the national team again from March 1, 2014 after successfully appealing his punishment.

"Yann M'Vila's suspension from all national teams from Nov. 12, 2012 until June 30, 2014, with a suspended period from March 1 to June 30, 2014, is now confirmed," the French football federation (FFF) said in an official statement.

M'Vila was one of five France Under-21 players who were handed bans by FFF after visiting a nightclub ahead of the decisive European Championship qualifier against Norway last year.

The 22-year-old had previously received a warning for his behaviour at Euro 2012.