EXCLUSIVE: FIFA clears suspended defender Jonathan Mensah to play for Ghana in AFCON qualifiers

Suspended defender Jonathan Mensah can play for Ghana when the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers start next month, FIFA has told Ghanasoccernet.com exclusively.

The France-based defender was handed a worldwide ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last week sparking fears that he won't be able to play for the Black Stars when the qualifiers start.

Some media outlets in Ghana were categorical with their claims that Mensah would not be available to play for his country until he serves his suspension which will end on 30 August.

However, the world governing body FIFA has told Ghana's leading football news outfit that Mensah can play for the Black Stars in the qualifiers during the suspension.

Citing Article 17 par. 3 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, a FIFA spokesman told GHANAsoccernet.com that Mensah will be eligible to play for Ghana in the qualifiers.

"He can play for Ghana in World Cup qualifiers and any other matches that are not a final competition of an international tournament," the spokesman for football's world governing body told GHANAsoccernet.com exclusively on Tuesday.

This means Mensah will be able to play in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifier against Mauritius in June.

He was banned for breaking his contract with Italian side Udinese to sign for French side Evian.