MLS suspends Luis Suárez further after League Cup ban for spitting

MLS suspended Inter Miami star Luis Suárez an additional three games for spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member after Miami’s loss in the Leagues Cup final on Aug. 31.

Suárez was previously suspended six games in the Leagues Cup tournament, but will now also miss several games in league play – including a rematch with the Sounders on Sept. 16. The other two matches are at Charlotte FC on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 at home vs. D.C. United.

MLS also revoked the credential of Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart for the remainder of the 2025 season. The former San Jose Earthquakes forward was working with the team as a mental coach, Lenhart will not have access to any portions of the stadium beyond what the public can attend.

The Sounders were also fined for misappropriation of credentials.

Notably, Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Tomás Avilés avoided league suspensions. Busquets was given a two-game ban in Leagues Cup play, while Aviles was given a three-game suspension in the tournament.

Suárez was handed the Leagues Cup ban after spitting at Sounders head of security Gene Ramirez after the game. Cameras caught the Uruguayan forward stepping on Ramirez’s foot and then spitting in his face. Separately, Busquets threw and landed a punch on Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas after the final whistle.

The six-game suspension will keep Suárez completely out of the next edition of the Leagues Cup. The tournament suspensions for both Suárez and Busquets may land kindly, as both are out of contract at the end of the season and may not return with Inter Miami. Neither has announced his intent yet for next season.

Avilés also threw several punches during the fight and will miss Leagues Cup games next season.

(Top photo: Alika Jenner/Getty Images)