Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez for three league games following his involvement in a post-Leagues Cup final brawl against the Seattle Sounders. The incident occurred after the Seattle Sounders' 3-0 victory over Inter Miami on August 31. The suspension stems from Suárez's actions, which included grabbing a Sounders player by the neck and spitting on Seattle's security director, Gene Ramirez.
Suárez will miss Inter Miami's upcoming matches against Charlotte FC on September 13, the home game against the Seattle Sounders on September 16, and another home game against D.C. United on September 20.
In addition to the MLS suspension, Suárez also received a six-game suspension from the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee. This means that Suárez is facing a total of nine games suspended.
Steven Lenhart, a mental skills coach for the Seattle Sounders, also faced disciplinary action. MLS has revoked Lenhart's credential privileges for the remainder of the 2025 MLS regular season and postseason due to his involvement in the altercation. He will only be allowed in public seating areas during Seattle Sounders home matches and cannot be on or near the field, locker rooms, or tunnel. Furthermore, the Seattle Sounders have been fined an undisclosed amount for misappropriation of credentials, likely connected to Lenhart's involvement.
Notably, Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, who was also involved in the post-final fracas, escaped additional punishment from MLS despite cameras showing him raising his hand to Vargas' face. Busquets had already received a two-game suspension from the Leagues Cup. Tomás Avilés, another Miami defender, received a three-game ban from the Leagues Cup.
The MLS suspensions are considered less severe than those issued by the Leagues Cup. It's also possible that Suárez, 38, and Busquets, 37, may not have to serve their Leagues Cup suspensions given their ages and expiring contracts at the end of the season.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many condemning Suárez's behavior. Suárez issued an apology on social media, calling his behavior a "mistake". Inter Miami also released a statement condemning the altercations, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship.
