In a disciplinary ruling announced on Friday, September 5, 2025, the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee imposed a six-match suspension on Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez for spitting at a member of the Seattle Sounders’ staff during a post-match brawl that erupted at the conclusion of the Leagues Cup final.
The incident marred Seattle’s 3–0 triumph and has sparked widespread condemnation across the soccer world as another controversial chapter in Suárez’s turbulent career.
The melee erupted immediately after the final whistle, as Suárez appeared to put Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock. That provocative act ignited a broader confrontation in which teammates and team personnel from both sides became entangled.
As tensions peaked, Suárez was seen stepping on the foot of Gene Ramírez, the Sounders’ security director, before spitting at him. The shocking moment was captured on camera and replayed widely, reigniting scrutiny of Suárez’s conduct.
Among the participants in the melee, several individuals received disciplinary sanctions. Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets was handed a two-match suspension for throwing a punch, while defender Tomás Avilés received a three-match suspension for his involvement. On the Seattle side, assistant coach Steven Lenhart was suspended for five matches for violent conduct. All sanctions apply strictly to future editions of the Leagues Cup, including the 2026 tournament.
The Leagues Cup committee’s statement included a reminder that Major League Soccer (MLS) reserves the right to impose further disciplinary actions, though as of now, no additional sanctions have been announced by MLS. The six-match ban will take effect in the next Leagues Cup—meaning the earliest possible enforcement will be in 2026—while Suárez remains free to participate in the rest of the 2025 MLS season unless MLS acts independently.
Shortly after the ruling, Suárez issued a public apology via social media, expressing remorse for his actions. He wrote, “It was a moment of much tension and frustration, where just after the game ended things happened that shouldn’t have happened but that doesn’t justify my reaction. I made a mistake and sincerely apologize. It’s not the image I want to give in front of my family… in front of my club… I feel bad for what happened, and I didn’t want to let pass the opportunity to recognize and apologize to everyone who felt bad for what I did.” Inter Miami also condemned the altercations in an official statement and pledged full cooperation with disciplinary authorities.
At 38 years old, Suárez is well into the twilight of his career, yet continues to be a prolific presence. This season, he has tallied six goals and ten assists in MLS matches and added three goals and three assists in the Leagues Cup.
This latest incident adds to a long list of disciplinary controversies involving Suárez. His most infamous past infractions include three biting incidents—during his time at Ajax, Liverpool, and with Uruguay—as well as a four-month ban in 2014 for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup, and an eight-game ban in England for alleged racial abuse in 2011. His reputation for provocative behavior on the field has been well-documented over the years.
The fallout from this incident may have broader ramifications for Inter Miami. Despite assembling a star-studded roster—featuring names like Lionel Messi and Suárez—the club’s 2025 campaign remains trophyless. The melee has intensified questions about team discipline and leadership.