Eden Hazard: Ban to remain at three games

Chelsea winger Eden Hazard's punishment for kicking out at a Swansea ball boy will not be increased from the standard three-match ban for violent conduct.

The Football Association attempted to extend the ban, claiming it was "clearly insufficient".

However, Chelsea successfully argued to an independent panel that any longer would be excessive.

Hazard will be available to play Wigan on 9 February after missing the match against Newcastle this weekend.

"An independent regulatory commission was of the opinion the existing three match sanction for this offence was sufficient," read an FA statement.

The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder was shown a straight red card in the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg after clashing with 17-year-old ball boy Charlie Morgan as he attempted to retrieve the ball in the 78th minute.

The scoreline was 0-0 at the time, with Chelsea needing at least two goals to take the match into extra-time. The game ended 0-0 with the Swans going through with a 2-0 aggregate win.

Hazard apologised to the ball boy afterwards, but the FA was thought to want his suspension extended by another game.

The governing body had the power to ban Hazard for longer than four games.

With Hazard available for selection for the home match against Wigan, manager Rafael Benitez should be able to reunite the midfielder with Juan Mata and Oscar.

The attacking trio started together in the Premier League matches against and Arsenal before Hazard's suspension.