Suarez Suspended for 6 Matches for Spitting Incident; Busquets Also Faces Punishment

September 7, 2025: Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has been banned for six matches by the tournament committee for spitting at a Seattle Sounders official after the Leagues Cup final. Suarez’s punishment was expected, but the length of the ban was not known until now.

The two teams had a fight after the Sounders’ 3-0 win over Miami in the final on Sunday. Teammates and coaches tried to control Suarez, but he spat at an official from the other team.

Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets punched Sounders’ Obed Vargas, and Miami defender Tomas Aviles also acted violently. The committee has banned Busquets for two matches and Aviles for three. A Sounders staff member, Steven Lenhart, has been banned for five games for violent behavior.

Fines and Future Sanctions

The committee said, "The four punished will also have to pay fines. These rules will be applied in the next seasons according to Leagues Cup rules." The statement also said that Major League Soccer (MLS) can take extra action against the players or staff if it wants.

MLS has not yet made a formal decision. The Leagues Cup happens every summer, so these bans will start from the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Suarez and Busquets’ contracts with Miami will end after this season.

Suarez Apologizes

After the incident, Suarez said on social media, "There is no correct explanation for what happened in the heat of the moment. My reaction was wrong. I made a mistake and I sincerely apologize. This behavior hurts my family and my club, which is not fair." Miami also said, "We condemn the events that happened on the field after the Leagues Cup final."

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