Luis Suarez has been handed a six-match suspension after spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member during Inter Miami’s 3-0 defeat in the Leagues Cup final.
The punishment, announced by tournament organizers, applies only to Leagues Cup fixtures and will begin with the 2026 edition. Given the competition’s format, the ban could stretch across multiple seasons if Inter Miami fail to progress deep into the tournament.
The Leagues Cup consists of a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with a maximum of six matches for each team.
Following the incident, the 38-year-old striker issued a public apology on Thursday, expressing regret for his actions.
Other disciplinary measures were also handed out after the post-match altercation. Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets was suspended for two matches for punching Seattle’s Obed Vargas, while Tomas Avilés received a three-match ban. Seattle coach Steven Lenhart was hit with a five-match suspension. All four were fined in addition to their bans.
The ruling does not affect Luis Suarez’s Major League Soccer appearances, although reports suggest further disciplinary action could still be considered.
