Luis Suarez faces FIFA disciplinary proceedings for alleged bite
FIFA has suspended Uruguay striker Luis Suarez for nine matches and banned him from all soccer-related activity for four months after he was accused of biting Italy defender Georgio Chiellini during a World Cup match.
FIFA confirmed Tuesday night that disciplinary proceedings had begun against Luis Suarez of Uruguay, who is accused of biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder in a crucial World Cup group game.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is responsible for sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials attention,” according to a statement from FIFA about the proceedings.
The charges could lead to a suspension.
Suarez and Chiellini got tangled in front of the Italy goal in the 80th minute, at which time the Uruguay superstar lunged and appeared to bite Chiellini on the left shoulder.
An agitated Chiellini pulled down his shirt, trying to show referees where he said Suarez bit him, but no penalty was called.
One minute after the incident, Diego Godin scored the only goal in Uruguay’s 1-0 victory.
This is not the first time Suarez has been accused of biting a player during a match.
Suarez’s two prior biting incidents triggered a seven-game suspension in 2010 with his club team in the Netherlands and a 10-game suspension last year with Liverpool in the English Premier League.
Suarez, 27, had a league-leading 31 goals for Liverpool last season, even though he had feuds with teammates and management in addition to his suspension. He was named the EPL’s player of the year.
Team Uruguay and Suarez are asked to prove any evidence in the matter, according to the FIFA statement.
It is unclear how long the proceedings will take.
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