September 08, (THEWILL) — Major League Soccer has imposed a three-match suspension on Luis Suárez following allegations that he spat at a Seattle Sounders staff member during post-match chaos after the Leagues Cup final.
The incident occurred at Lumen Field on Sunday night following Seattle’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, which sparked a large-scale confrontation between both teams.
The Uruguayan striker had already received a six-match ban from the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the altercation, but MLS officials determined additional sanctions were necessary.
Suárez will miss Inter Miami’s next three league fixtures against Charlotte, Seattle Sounders, and D.C. United under manager Javier Mascherano.
Whilst teammates Tomás Avilés and Sergio Busquets also faced Leagues Cup suspensions for alleged violent conduct, neither player received further MLS punishment.
Avilés will serve three matches and Busquets two matches in next season’s Leagues Cup competition, allowing both to continue playing in MLS matches without interruption.
Seattle Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart faces severe consequences, with MLS revoking his credentials for the remainder of the 2025 regular season and playoffs due to his conduct during the confrontation.
Inter Miami issued a public statement condemning the incidents and emphasising their commitment to maintaining sportsmanship standards.
Suárez publicly apologised on social media, describing his behaviour as a “mistake” that should not have occurred.
The former Barcelona forward remains ineligible until Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on September 24, marking the end of his suspension period.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
