The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has finally made a decision regarding Luis Suarez' biting ban appeal and the result was not in favor with the footballer.
It can be remembered that Suarez bit a player from the opposing team during their games in the FIFA world Cup, Uruguay vs. Italy. Suarez appealed to the FIFA committee on his four month suspension but it was denied. But Barcelona is not deterred with the situation. Instead they pursued Suarez to sign up a five year contract worth $130 million.
He went to the court requesting to lower his four month ban for biting an opponent. He has been supported by the World Players Union. International player's union group, FIFPro, urging the court to ease the ban set for Suarez and to include rehabilation plus other conditions. They said "The educative nature of the sanction mentioned by FIFA in the (disciplinary) ruling can be much better achieved by making it partially conditional, including the obligation for Luis Suarez to receive treatment."
Suarez and his counsel went in front of a three-man CAS appeal panel where they tried to persuade the court to lower the ban of Suarez but the suspension was still upheld and so will be the fine. But CAS made a consolation for Suarez which is that he is free to take part in other football-related duties "such as training, promotional activities and administrative matters." He is also allowed to join friendly matches for Barcelona and the Uruguay national team during his suspension.
The Ruling states "The CAS Panel found that the sanctions imposed on the player were generally proportionate to the offense committed. It has however considered that the stadium ban and the ban from 'any football-related activity' were excessive given that such measures are not appropriate to sanction the offense committed by the player and would still have an impact on his activity after the end of the suspension."
This would have to mean that Suarez will be able to play competitive matches in late October. Because of the ruling that he can play friendly games, Suarez may be able to join the Barca's in his first appearance with the team against the Mexican club.
Aside from that, the Uruguay's will also have three friendly internationals scheduled before October which Suarez can partake which includes a match against Japan on September 5.
