Inter Miami`s Luis Suarez faces the prospect of a substantial suspension following an incident in the Leagues Cup final where he reportedly spat on a Seattle Sounders staff member. The match, which Inter Miami lost 3-0, also saw midfielder Sergio Busquets apparently punch Seattle`s Obed Vargas amidst a larger altercation. While the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee will initially address Suarez`s actions, the implications could extend to MLS play.
This incident adds to Suarez`s long history of disciplinary issues, which includes being charged with racial abuse against Patrice Evra in 2011, biting Branislav Ivanovic in 2013, and the infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, which resulted in a four-month ban from soccer. While the current situation might not lead to such a lengthy suspension, it raises questions about whether it could prematurely end his MLS season.
Past incidents demonstrate how suspensions can carry over between tournaments and the league. In 2015, Clint Dempsey received a six-game U.S. Open Cup suspension, to which MLS added an additional three-game league ban, after confronting a referee and tearing up their notebook. Similarly, former Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke`s three-game Leagues Cup suspension for actions against referees was also supplemented with a three-match MLS suspension.
More recently, in the 2024 playoffs, former Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera was red-carded for spitting in the direction of a referee. While he did not receive an *additional* suspension due to the incident`s timing, his action reportedly influenced Houston`s decision not to extend his contract. This case highlights the severity with which such incidents are treated, suggesting Suarez could still face further discipline.
What Does the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement Allow?
The MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) explicitly defines `on-field misconduct` to include actions occurring `in any stadium or playing facility and which occurs at, during, or in connection with any game or tournament in which the player competes.` Therefore, despite the incident happening during the Leagues Cup, Suarez`s actions clearly fall under the scope of MLS disciplinary rules.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee, comprising five members (four appointed by the commissioner, including two former MLS players), has the authority to impose sanctions. If a suspension exceeds two games, the MLS Players Association can formally appeal to the commissioner, triggering a hearing process.
While the exact length of a potential suspension remains unclear, given the gravity of the incident and Suarez`s disciplinary history, it would not be unexpected if he misses a significant portion, or even all, of Inter Miami`s remaining 10 MLS regular season games. With a break in play until September 13th, the league has ample time to thoroughly consider and determine the full ramifications of any disciplinary action.
