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 a striker for Inter Miami. Widely considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, Suárez is renowned for his goal-scoring ability, intelligent play, and clinical finishing, earning him the nickname "El Pistolero." He has won numerous individual awards, including two European Golden Shoes, and has been a top scorer in multiple leagues. Suárez is also among the all-time leading South American goalscorers in international football, having scored over 500 career goals for club and country.

Sections (6)

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

1970: Uruguay Reaches Quarter-Finals

In the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Ghana, Suárez blocked a shot on the goal line and a header with his hands, preventing a game-winning goal. He was sent off, but Uruguay won the shootout. This put Uruguay through to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970.

1994: Tassotti's Ban

In 1994, Mauro Tassotti received an eight-match ban for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique at the World Cup, this was less severe than Suárez's ban.

November 2010: Biting Incident

On 20 November 2010, Suárez bit PSV's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder during a 0–0 draw. Ajax suspended him for two matches and fined him an undisclosed amount. The KNVB increased his suspension to seven league matches.

2010: Handball Controversy in World Cup Quarter-Final

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against Ghana, Luis Suárez controversially blocked a goal-bound shot with his hands in extra time. This handball resulted in a penalty for Ghana, which if converted, would have sent them to the semi-finals. Suárez was sent off for the handball, leading to significant controversy.

October 2011: Racial Abuse Accusation

On 15 October 2011, Suárez was accused of racially abusing Evra, leading to an FA investigation. He denied the claims on social media.

October 2012: Admission of Diving

In January 2013, Suárez admitted to diving against Stoke City in an October 2012 match, leading his manager to comment that his actions were "unacceptable."

January 2013: Admission of Diving

In January 2013, Suárez admitted to diving against Stoke City in an October 2012 match, leading his manager to comment that his actions were "unacceptable."

January 2013: Handball Controversy

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

April 2013: Biting incident and subsequent ban

In April 2013, during a Premier League match against Chelsea, Luis Suárez bit Branislav Ivanović. This incident led to a ten-game ban from the FA, prompted calls from UK Prime Minister David Cameron for strong action, and drew criticism from the FA panel for not appreciating the seriousness of the incident. Suárez was also fined by his club.

December 2013: Ranked Among World's Dirtiest Footballers

In December 2013, Luis Suárez was ranked fifth in El Gol Digital's list of the world's dirtiest footballers, due to his diving, biting, stamping, and other unsportsmanlike actions during games.

2014: FIFA 15 Ban

As a result of Luis 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 October 26.

2014: Biting Incident at the FIFA World Cup

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. As a result, FIFA suspended Suárez from all football-related activities for four months.

2014: Suspension for Biting Incident at World Cup

In 2014, Luis Suárez received a ban from all "football-related activities", including training for Barcelona, for four months following the biting of Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The CAS confirmed the ban imposed by FIFA against Suárez, who remained suspended from football for four months, as well as a nine-match ban in internationals.

2014: Previous suspension that caused him to miss the world cup

In 2016, For Uruguay, Suárez previously missed part of the 2014 World Cup and the entire 2015 Copa América through suspension.

2015: Suárez Banned from Copa América

In 2014, As a result of this ban, Suárez was banned from participating in the 2015 Copa América.

2015: International Ban and Sponsorship Cancellation

In 2015, after biting Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match, Suárez was banned for nine international matches and from all football-related activity for four months. 888poker cancelled its sponsorship deal with him.

2018: Simulation of Head Injury

During the 2018 World Cup game against Portugal, Suárez twice acted like he had a head injury despite his head having been untouched, adding to accusations of diving.

September 2020: Italian Citizenship Investigation

In September 2020, an investigation was launched into Luis Suárez over accusations that he had cheated to gain Italian citizenship, after taking a B1 Italian Language exam in Perugia. He was eligible due to his marriage to an Italian citizen.

September 2024: Retirement Announcement

On September 2nd, 2024, Suárez announced his retirement from the national team after the match against Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 6th, ending his 17-year era with a 0-0 draw. He received a yellow card for protesting the referee.

February 2025: Debut and Fine

In February 2025, Luis Suárez debuted in the MLS season in a 2–2 draw against New York City on February 22nd. Later that month, on February 25th, Suárez and Lionel Messi were fined for violating the league's hands to the face/head/neck policy during the opening match against New York City FC.

2025: Stomping and Spitting Incident

In 2025, after Inter Miami's loss in the Leagues Cup final, Suárez stomped on the foot of and spat in the face of a Sounders security director, Gene Ramirez, leading to widespread condemnation. He was fined and suspended by the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer for the incident.

2025: Leagues Cup Final Brawl

In 2025, after the Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, a brawl started when Suárez put Obed Vargas in a headlock. Suárez spat on Sounders security director Gene Ramirez, and stepped onto Ramirez's foot, spitting on his cap and cheek.

2026: Suspension and Apology

In 2026, Suárez received suspensions for the Leagues Cup and three MLS regular season matches due to his actions in the 2025 final. He issued an apology on September 4th.