Luis Suárez came under intense scrutiny after the Leagues Cup final in Seattle, where he spat on Sounders head of security Gene Ramirez during a post-match melee.

The controversial act, captured on camera from multiple angles, overshadowed Inter Miami’s 3-0 defeat and sparked outrage across soccer communities. Suarez's action was not an isolated moment but part of a history of on-field misconduct, including biting incidents and prior bans, which adds gravity to the potential disciplinary action.

The melee itself involved multiple altercations, including Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets punching a Seattle player, further fueling the scrutiny around the Miami squad’s conduct that night.

What the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement Allows

Despite occurring during the Leagues Cup—an event co-run by MLS and Liga MX—the MLS Disciplinary Committee holds jurisdiction due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s broad definition of misconduct.

This clause covers “any stadium or playing facility” involved in games or tournaments played by the participant. The committee, formed mostly by commissioner appointees and including former MLS players, will determine the suspension length.

Importantly, if the ban exceeds two games, the Players Association can appeal directly to the commissioner. Past suspensions for similar egregious behavior, like Hector Herrera’s three-game ban for spitting in 2024, set a precedent for strict penalties.

Given the severity and Suarez’s history, the league could impose a suspension lengthy enough to end his MLS season. 

Context and Possible Impact

Luis Suárez’s prior disciplinary record includes a historic four-month ban for biting at the 2014 World Cup, making this the most serious behavioral issue since then.

The potential suspension comes at a critical point in his MLS career and could sideline him for much of Inter Miami’s remaining regular-season games. The MLS faces a decision balancing disciplinary integrity and the commercial impact of sidelining a marquee player involved in one of the league’s highest-profile moments.

With Miami not playing again until mid-September, the league has time to deliberate. The outcome will be closely watched, as it could set a key precedent for handling misconduct and reinforce professional standards in Major League Soccer.