Major Controversies Surrounding Luis Suárez: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Luis Suárez.

Luis Suárez is a Uruguayan professional footballer, currently playing for Inter Miami. Widely considered one of the best strikers of his generation, he is known for his goal-scoring prowess, movement, and finishing ability. Nicknamed "El Pistolero," Suárez has an impressive record, exceeding 500 career goals. He has won numerous individual awards, including two European Golden Shoes, an Eredivisie Golden Boot, a Premier League Golden Boot, and a Pichichi Trophy, solidifying his place among football's elite.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Mauro Tassotti's Ban

In 1994, Italy's Mauro Tassotti received an eight-match ban for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique at the World Cup. Suárez's ban exceeded Tassotti's.

February 2007: Senior Debut for Uruguay

In February 2007, Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay in a 3–1 win against Colombia, but he was sent off in the 85th minute after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.

November 2010: Biting Incident with Otman Bakkal

On November 20, 2010, Suárez bit PSV's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder during a 0–0 draw, leading to a suspension and fine from Ajax, and further suspension from the KNVB. The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf branded Suárez the "Cannibal of Ajax".

2010: Handball Controversy Against Ghana

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Ghana, Suárez blocked Dominic Adiyiah's goal-bound header with his hands in extra time, resulting in a red card and a penalty for Ghana. This act was highly controversial as Ghana could have proceeded to the semi-finals if the penalty had been converted.

October 2011: Accusation of Racially Abusing Evra

On 15 October 2011, after a 1–1 draw against Manchester United, Suárez was accused of racially abusing Evra, prompting an FA investigation, resulting in an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine.

October 2012: Diving against Stoke City

In January 2013, Suárez admitted to diving against Stoke City in an October 2012 match, leading his manager Brendan Rodgers to call his actions "unacceptable".

January 2013: Suárez Admits to Diving

In January 2013, Suárez admitted to diving against Stoke City in an October 2012 match, leading his manager Brendan Rodgers to call his actions "unacceptable".

January 2013: Handball Controversy in FA Cup

On January 6, 2013, Suárez handled the ball before scoring the decisive goal in Liverpool's 2–1 win over Mansfield Town in an FA Cup match, sparking controversy.

April 2013: Biting Incident with Branislav Ivanović

On April 21, 2013, during a match against Chelsea, Suárez bit Branislav Ivanović, resulting in a ten-game ban and significant controversy.

December 2013: Ranked Among Dirtiest Footballers

In December 2013, the Spanish football website El Gol Digital ranked Suárez at fifth in its list of the world's dirtiest footballers due to his diving, biting, stamping, and other antics.

2014: FIFA 15 Ban

In 2014, due to Suárez's ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, players in FIFA 15 were unable to select Suárez until his ban ended on 26 October.

2014: Biting Giorgio Chiellini

In a Group D match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, resulting in FIFA suspending him from all football activities for 4 months.

2014: Suárez suspended after biting incident

Throughout 2014, Luis Suárez faced a suspension after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, resulting in a four-month ban from all "football-related activities". An appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) led to the removal of the "football-related activities" ban, allowing him to train with Barcelona.

2015: Suárez banned from Copa América

In 2015, Luis Suárez was banned from participating in the 2015 Copa América due to his existing suspension.

2015: Banned from 2015 Copa América

Suárez's ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup meant he would take no part in the 2015 Copa América.

2018: Accusations of Faking Injury

During the 2018 World Cup game against Portugal, Suárez was accused of faking a head injury after collisions with Portuguese players.

September 2020: Italian Citizenship Exam and Investigation

In September 2020, Luis Suárez flew to Perugia to take a B1 Italian Language exam, a requirement for obtaining Italian citizenship. Later in September 2020, an investigation was launched due to accusations that Suárez cheated on the language exam to expedite his citizenship application.

September 2024: Retirement Announcement

On September 2, 2024, Suárez announced his retirement from the national team after the match against Paraguay on September 6, 2024, ending his 17-year era of representing his national team after a 0–0 draw. He also received a yellow card in the match.

February 2025: Debut in the MLS Season and Fined by the MLS

In February 2025, Suárez made his debut in the MLS season during a 2–2 draw against New York City on February 22nd. A few days later, on February 25th, Suárez and Lionel Messi were fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the league's hands to the face/head/neck policy during the opening match against New York City FC.