Following Inter Miami's 0-3 loss in the final on 31/8/2025, tensions flared between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders players, leading to several altercations. The most serious incident involved Suarez spitting at Seattle Sounders' security director, Gene Ramirez.
In addition to Suarez's suspension, midfielder Sergio Busquets received a two-match ban for punching Obed Vargas. Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles was also suspended for three matches for violent conduct. On the Seattle Sounders side, assistant coach Steven Lenhart received a five-match ban for violating Article 4.2.C of the 2025 Leagues Cup regulations.
The organizing committee stated that the bans apply to the Leagues Cup, but Major League Soccer (MLS) also reserves the right to impose additional sanctions on the players and staff involved.
As the Leagues Cup is an annual summer tournament between MLS and Liga MX (Mexico) clubs, these suspensions will take effect from the 2026 tournament. Both Suarez and Busquets' current contracts with Inter Miami expire after this season.
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Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders players clash after the Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA on the evening of 31/8/2025. Photo: AP |
Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders players clash after the Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA on the evening of 31/8/2025. Photo: AP
Suarez has since apologized for his actions. "It was a moment of frustration and disappointment," the Uruguayan forward wrote on social media. "Things happened after the match that shouldn't have, but nothing justifies my reaction. I was wrong and I sincerely apologize. This is not the image I want my family, the club, and the fans to see."
Inter Miami also released a statement condemning the "violent acts after the Leagues Cup final" and stated they would cooperate fully with the tournament organizers.
This is not Suarez's first biting incident. In 2010, while playing for Ajax, he bit Otman Bakkal during a match against PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie and received a seven-match ban. In April 2013, he bit Branislav Ivanovic during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield, resulting in a 10-match suspension that caused him to miss the end of the 2012-2013 season and the start of the 2013-2014 season.
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini. While he wasn't shown a red card during the game, FIFA later imposed a heavy sanction: a four-month ban from all football activities and a nine-match international suspension. This is considered one of the harshest penalties in World Cup history.
The striker was also accused of racially abusing defender Patrice Evra during a match between Liverpool and Manchester United in the English Premier League in October 2011. Following an investigation, the Football Association (FA) found Suarez guilty and imposed an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine.
Compiled by Hong Duy
