In a significant twist ahead of a major European fixture, UEFA has confirmed that striker Jhon Duran will be eligible to play against his former club, Aston Villa, for Fenerbahce on Thursday night. The decision comes after a successful appeal by the Turkish side.
From Red Card to Reprieve: The Ban Overturned
The 22-year-old Colombian forward was originally facing a two-match suspension for violent conduct. The incident occurred in a Europa League match against Ferencvaros at the end of November. In second-half stoppage time, Duran was shown a straight red card by referee Ricardo de Burgos for appearing to headbutt opposition defender Toon Raemaekers.
This dismissal triggered an automatic one-match ban, which he served against Norwegian side Brann. However, UEFA's disciplinary body reviewed the footage and imposed an additional match suspension, ruling it as violent conduct. This would have kept him out of the pivotal matchday seven encounter with Aston Villa.
Appeal Success and Timely Communication
Fenerbahce immediately challenged the severity of the punishment. Their appeal has proven successful. UEFA's Appeals Body has reduced the two-match ban to a single game, a decision that was formally communicated to the club on 15 January.
This official confirmation, received by BirminghamLive, means Duran has now completed his suspension and is free to feature in the upcoming Europa League knockout round play-off. His availability is a major boost for the Turkish Super Lig outfit.
Duran's Journey from Villa Park
The striker's path to this fixture adds a compelling narrative layer. Duran left Aston Villa in January 2025, moving to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr for a fee reported to be around £65 million. His stay in the Middle East was brief.
After just half a season, he joined Fenerbahce on a loan deal for the current campaign during the summer transfer window. To date, he has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Fenerbahce, scoring five goals.
His return to Villa Park—albeit in the colours of the opposition—is now confirmed, setting the stage for a dramatic reunion in one of European football's premier competitions.
