MLS Suspends Luis Suarez for 3 Games Over Leagues Cup Spitting Incident

Luis Suarez handed 3-match ban by MLS for spitting incident

Luis Suarez has been handed a 3-match suspension by MLS for spitting at a Seattle Sounders official during the Leagues Cup final.

Luis Suarez's behavior in the August 31 Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders was nothing short of appalling...

Luis Suarez has been handed a three-match suspension by Major League Soccer for his involvement in a spitting incident during the Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders. The incident occurred after Seattle's 3-0 victory, where Suarez was seen spitting at a Sounders staff member, Gene Ramirez, and putting Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock, sparking a melee involving multiple players and staff.

Suarez has publicly apologized for his actions, stating that it was a moment of great tension and frustration, but acknowledged that it didn't justify his reaction. Inter Miami has also released a statement condemning the team's behavior after the final. The suspension will impact Inter Miami's playoff ambitions, with Suarez being a key player for the team.

Major League Soccer Announces Disciplinary Action Following Leagues Cup Finalhttps://t.co/5hyFE40ntb

— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) September 8, 2025

A 38-year-old former Uruguay, Liverpool and Barcelona star will miss three crucial matches due to suspension. The affected games include Inter Miami's away match against Charlotte on Saturday, their home match against Seattle Sounders on September 16, and another home match against DC United on September 20.

In related news, Seattle Sounders staffer Steven Lenhart has had his credential rights revoked for the remainder of the season and playoffs. This means he won't be allowed on or near the field or locker rooms. Additionally, the Sounders have been fined an undisclosed amount for misusing credentials.

The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee has handed Luis Suarez a six-match suspension for spitting at a Seattle Sounders official during the final. However, the suspension will only apply to the next edition of the tournament, meaning Suarez won't be eligible to play in the 2026 Leagues Cup.

In addition to the suspensions, the disciplinary committee has also imposed fines on the individuals involved. Suarez has publicly apologized for his actions, acknowledging that his reaction was unacceptable.

Luis Suarez's behavior in the August 31 Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders was nothing short of appalling. The incident began when Suarez confronted Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, putting him in a headlock and sparking a brawl involving multiple players and staff members from both teams. Things took a turn for the worse when Suarez was caught on camera spitting at Seattle Sounders' director of security, Gene Ramirez, as he walked away from Vargas. This egregious act led to Suarez being handed a six-game suspension by the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee.

Suarez's history of controversy is well-documented. He has been involved in several high-profile incidents, including biting opponents on multiple occasions and racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra in 2011, which resulted in an 8-match ban. This latest incident has raised questions about Suarez's temperament and professionalism, even in the latter stages of his playing career.

MLS have handed Luis Suárez an additional three-game ban for spitting on a Seattle Sounders coaching staff member in the Leagues Cup final.

He will miss Inter Miami's league games vs. Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders and DC United. pic.twitter.com/9CK6HjDgrl

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 8, 2025

Luis Suarez issued a public apology for his actions in a statement on Instagram last Thursday, September 5. This was a day before the Leagues Cup-imposed punishments for the spitting incident during the final against Seattle Sounders. In his apology, Suarez expressed remorse for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member, Gene Ramirez, after Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat. He acknowledged his mistake, stating, “I was wrong and I sincerely regret it,” and emphasized his commitment to helping Inter Miami succeed in the MLS Cup playoffs.

“It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn't have happened, but that doesn't justify the reaction I had,” Suarez wrote on Instagram.

“I was wrong and I sincerely regret it... I feel bad about what happened, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologize to everyone who felt hurt by what I did.”

The apology came after a heated exchange between Suarez and Seattle Sounders' Obed Vargas, which escalated into a melee involving multiple players and staff. The incident led to Suarez receiving a six-match suspension from the Leagues Cup, applicable to the next edition of the tournament.

Current Standings:

• Inter Miami CF is currently ranked 6th in the Eastern Conference with 46 points, 11 points behind the conference leaders, Philadelphia Union. However, they have four matches in hand, providing them with an opportunity to catch up.

• In the overall MLS standings, Inter Miami CF has 13 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, with 54 goals scored and 40 conceded, resulting in a goal difference of +14.