FIFA have this afternoon rocked the football world after delivering a verdict on Luis Suarez’ biting incident with Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s win over Italy.
The Footballing body has confirmed that Suarez is not only suspended for nine matches, he is also “banned for four months from any football-related activity”.
In an official statement earlier this afternoon, FIFA also revealed Suarez is unable to even enter a football stadium during the period of the ban and, in a scathing assessment, went on to say:
“Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field. The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suárez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated.”
It’s also been confirmed that Suarez can appeal the decision, though bearing in mind the Chiellini clash was the third time he has sank his teeth into an opponent, it seems unlikely to be successful.
While many had assumed any potential ban would only apply to internationals, FIFA’s decision to include domestic games is a massive blow to Liverpool for the season ahead. Essentially, the Uruguayan will miss the first 10 Gameweeks of 2014/15 before returning to action away to Newcastle on November 1.
Considering the four fixtures prior to the St James’ Park see the Reds entertain Everton, West Brom and Hull, in addition to a trip to QPR, Suarez’ suspension has massive repercussions for Fantasy managers, too. After serving up 30 goals and 25 assists in 2013/14, he will no doubt be afforded the highest price tag of any player right across the Fantasy games but, just like last term, we’ll need to make do without his services after yet another biting incident.
In a brief official statement, the Merseysiders would only say:
“Liverpool Football Club will wait until we have seen and had time to review the FIFA Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment.”
His absence is likely to make our initial decisions a little easier for the upcoming campaign. Many Fantasy managers were determined to fit both Suarez and Robin Van Persie into their starting squads in light of United’s kind start – acquiring both would take up a considerable chunk of our budgets but FIFA’s stance has at least taken that tricky decision out of our hands.
