FIFA moved quickly to open disciplinary proceedings against Luis Suarez after the Uruguay star made waves on Tuesday for apparently biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the two teams' Group D encounter.
According to a statement on the FIFA website, the proceedings against Suarez were opened after "an apparent breach of art. 48 and/or art. 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code." The articles in question deal with misconduct against opponents or persons other than match officlas, and offensive behavior and fair play.
Suarez, however, brushed off the incident in his postgame comments, saying, "These are things that happen on the field."
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is charged with "sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention" – Suarez remained on the field after the incident, and Uruguay won the game 1-0 to eliminate Italy and advance to the Round of 16.
Per FIFA's Disciplinary Code, a potential suspension for Suarez as a result of the charges "may not exceed twenty-four matches or twenty-four months," unless otherwise specified.
It is the latest controversial incident to cloud the Liverpool star's career, and he has served lengthy bans in the Netherlands and England for biting opponents.
