Major League Soccer has suspended Inter Miami star Luis Suarez for three matches after a postgame incident during the Leagues Cup final. Suarez was seen spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member after Inter Miami lost 3-0 on August 31.
MLS announced on September 8 that Suarez will miss Inter Miami’s next three matches. These include the games on September 13 at Charlotte FC, September 16 against Seattle, and September 20 versus D.C. United. He will be eligible to return when Inter Miami plays New York City FC on September 24.
The suspension follows a separate ruling from the Leagues Cup tournament. On September 5, the competition handed Suarez a six-match ban. This effectively means he would miss the entire 2026 Leagues Cup if Inter Miami reaches the final.
Suarez, a Uruguayan forward with a history of controversial behavior, apologized on social media last week. He said the incident occurred during a “moment of great tension and frustration” and admitted his actions were wrong.
MLS also took action against Seattle staff members. Gene Ramirez, who was involved in the postgame altercation, faced restrictions, and Steven Lenhart had his credentials revoked for the rest of the year, including the postseason. Lenhart will only be allowed in public seating areas during home matches. His pitch and locker room access will be reviewed before the 2026 season.
Seattle Sounders were also fined an undisclosed amount for improper use of credentials. The Leagues Cup suspended Lenhart from the next five of the team’s tournament matches.
Additional disciplinary action was taken against other Inter Miami players. Midfielder Sergio Busquets received a two-game Leagues Cup suspension for striking Seattle’s Obed Vargas. Defender Tomás Avilés was suspended for three games for his involvement in the postgame incident. MLS, however, did not impose further sanctions on either player.
The incidents during the Leagues Cup final have drawn attention to player conduct and security protocols in Major League Soccer. Suarez’s three-match suspension is a reminder of the league’s commitment to maintaining professional behavior on and off the pitch.
Inter Miami faces critical matches in the coming weeks, and the absence of Suarez could impact the team’s performance. Fans and analysts will closely watch how the team adapts without their star striker.
MLS and the Leagues Cup have stated they will continue to review conduct policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Both organizations emphasize fair play, safety, and professionalism as core priorities for the league.
