World Cup: Luis Suarez appeal is rejected by FIFA

Luis Suarez’s ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match has been upheld by soccer’s international governing body.

So does that mean the Uruguay and Liverpool star is going to spend the next several months in quiet reflection on why it’s a good idea to keep your mouth to yourself while playing soccer in front of the entire world (or any time, really)?

No, actually, there’s a good chance he might actually be playing soccer, even though his appeal of the punishment -- a ban of nine competitive international matches and four months from all soccer, as well as a $112,000 fine -- was rejected by FIFA on Thursday.

Suarez can lodge another appeal, this one with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, if he gets the written decision from FIFA within 10 days. After taking such an action, he can then apply to CAS for a freeze on the sanctions.

That means he could be free to train with and play for his club while the appeal is being considered.

Suarez received the punishment for an apparent bite on Chiellini’s shoulder during Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Italy in a group-stage game last month. He was ineligible to play in his team’s next game, a 2-0 loss to Colombia in the group of 16.

This is Suarez’s third time being banned for biting opponents, following similar incidents when he played for Ajax in the Dutch League and Liverpool in the English Premier League.

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