Ex-Liverpool misfit Luis Suarez has biting ban appeal rejected

Posted Friday, August 15, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

LUIS SUAREZ has failed in his bid to have his four-month biting ban overturned - but could still make his debut for Barcelona on Monday.

Ex-Liverpool misfit Luis Suarez has biting ban appeal rejected
UPHELD: The CAS rejected Suarez's appeal but allowed him to train with his team mates

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) yesterday upheld FIFA's decision to ban Suarez for sinking his teeth into Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

But Suarez, who must also pay his ￡66,000 fine, has won the right to train with Barcelona and can now also play in friendly games.

The relaxation of the punishment means Suarez, who moved from Liverpool to Barcelona in ￡75m deal this summer, starts training today and could take his Nou Camp bow on Monday against Mexican side Club Leon in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy match.

The Uruguay international is also free to play friendlies for his country, although the nine-match ban from competitive matches stays in place.

Ex-Liverpool misfit Luis Suarez has biting ban appeal rejected The 27-year-old can also take part in promotional activities for Barcelona, meaning he will be officially unveiled by the Spanish giants before kick-off on Monday.

But Barcelona fans will still have to do without their new hit-man for 11 games, eight in La Liga and three in the Champions League.

His earliest possible return date is the mouth watering clash against arch rivals Real Madrid, penciled in for October 26.

Suarez was sent home in disgrace after his latest biting shame which came on the back of incidents involving PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal while with Ajax and Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during his two-and-a-half years at Anfield.

CAS stated in their ruling: "The sanctions imposed on the player by FIFA have been generally confirmed.

"However, the four-month suspension will apply to official matches only and no longer to other football-related activities."