Muntari's 1-match ban overturned upon appeal

Sulley Muntari's one-match ban for protesting a series of racist chants has been rescinded, FIFPro, which represents professional footballers worldwide, confirmed Friday.

Despite the absence of an appeal from Muntari's club, Pescara, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) heard a complaint from the Italian Footballers' Association, according to FIFPro.

Muntari had been ordered to serve a suspension this weekend after receiving two yellow cards at Cagliari's Stadio Sant'Elia - the first after he challenged referee Daniele Minelli to stop the match, and the second after he walked off the pitch in distress.

FIFPro had called for the FIGC to overturn the ban and "take firm action to ensure this never happens again." Under pressure from various authority groups and minority leaders, the federation subsequently decided to take action.

The former AC Milan and Inter midfielder is now eligible to play Sunday against Crotone. Pescara has already been relegated following a single season in Serie A.