Luis Suarez banned from football for four months

Uruguay and Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has been banned for nine international matches and four months from “any football-related activity”, FIFA have confirmed, following his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during his side’s 1-0 victory. He has also been fined 100,000 Swiss Francs (over £65,000).

FIFA also stated that Suarez will be allowed to transfer clubs, however, if the Reds decide to offload the 27-year-old.

The ban means he will be unavailable for the rest of the World Cup, including his country’s next match against Colombia in the last 16, which they are 11/4 to win in 90 minutes. Uruguay Football Association president Wilmar Valdez has confirmed they will appeal, but Suarez will play no more part in these Brazil finals whatever the outcome.

As a result of this, his club Liverpool’s Premier League title odds with Coral have drifted from 11/2 third-equal with Manchester United, to 7/1. Uruguay, meanwhile, were 25/1 to win the World Cup, but are now 33/1.

FIFA media relations manager Delia Fischer said in a statement: “The player Luis Suarez is suspended for nine matches and banned for four months from any football-related activity.

“The FIFA disciplinary committee has decided the player is regarded as having breached article 48 paragraph one and article 57. The player is to be suspended for nine matches, the first is the upcoming match between Uruguay and Colombia on Saturday [June 28th].

“An appeal may be lodged by the player and/or Uruguay FA,” Fischer added.

At club level, Suarez will miss Liverpool’s first nine Premier League fixtures, including a crunch clash with Manchester City and the Merseyside derby; the first three Champions League group stage games and at least one Capital One Cup tie. This makes a total of 13 matches minimum, with the ban ceasing at the end of October, and he will be available to play against Newcastle United on November 1st.