Luis Suarez could face international ban for punching opponent
Video replays showed
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: March 28, 2013 02:04 PM IST
Uruguay's Luis Suarez could be handed an extended international ban after appearing to punch Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during a World Cup qualifier in Santiago.
Video replays showed Suarez making contact with Jara with a right fist to the face during Chile's 2-0 victory over the reigning Copa America champions on Tuesday, reports Xinhua.
The Liverpool striker was later booked by referee Nestor Pitana for an unrelated incident, meaning he will miss Uruguay's next qualifier away to Venezuela June 11.
Local media quoted a FIFA spokesperson as saying that football's governing body was awaiting the referee's match report before deciding whether to take action against Suarez.
"We are still collecting all the post-match international reports since the officials have got 24 hours to send them. Based on (them), FIFA will proceed," the spokesperson said.
Tuesday's result left Uruguay sixth in the South America zone standings while Chile rose to the fourth spot.
The top four teams will qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.