Fifa’s independent disciplinary committee has banned Luis Suarez for four months after he was seen biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.
The decision also means the Liverpool striker, who has also been fined £66,000, will not be a part of the World Cup and the start of the domestic season. He is banned from Uruguay’s next nine matches in total, and from entering any stadium.
Uruguay’s FA are able to appeal against the sanctions, but even if the appeal is lodged and the process is under way he will not be able play.
Claudio Sulser, chairman of the committee, said: “Such behavior 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.”
Suarez defended himself after the incident, saying: “These situations happen on the pitch, we were both just inside the area, he struck me in the chest with his shoulder and he hit me in the eye as well.”
Chiellini, however, insists that Suárez knew exactly what he was doing and was dismayed that he was not sent off for his actions.