Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez has been handed a six-match suspension by the Leagues Cup Organising Committee after an ugly incident in the final against Seattle Sounders. The Uruguayan forward was caught spitting at a member of the Sounders’ coaching staff following his team’s 3-0 defeat in the championship clash.
The match ended in heated scenes, with Suarez losing his temper and being restrained by teammates and coaches. His actions sparked a post-match brawl where Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets was also involved, throwing a punch at Obed Vargas. Defender Tomas Aviles joined the chaos with aggressive behaviour, while Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart was also penalised.
As per reports, Busquets will serve a two-match suspension and Aviles has been banned for three matches for violent conduct. Lenhart was given a five-match ban for breaching Article 4.2.C of the Leagues Cup 2025 Competition Regulations. In addition to suspensions, fines have been issued to all those sanctioned.
The Leagues Cup committee confirmed that the bans will carry over into future editions of the competition until fully served. Major League Soccer (MLS) has also reserved the right to enforce further disciplinary measures if required.
Despite Suarez issuing an apology on Instagram, admitting his mistake and expressing regret for the embarrassment caused to his family and club, the committee stood firm on its ruling. Inter Miami also released a statement strongly condemning the post-match altercations.
As the Leagues Cup is a summer tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs, Suarez’s suspension will only come into effect in the 2026 edition. With both Suarez and Busquets’ contracts at Inter Miami expiring at the end of the current season, the future of the veteran stars remains uncertain.
