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USMNT Legend Warns Luis Suarez Could Face MLS Ban After Spitting Scandal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 5:43 PM ET

Luis Suarez spat on a member of the Seattle Sounders coaching staff, and now he could face a suspension in the MLS, even thought the Leagues Cup has no jurisdiction.

The Inter Miami striker had an unsportsmanlike conduct after the final whistle in the Leagues Cup final. While other things were taking place almost simultaneously, Suarez acts made the headlines and now fans are asking for a suspension in the Major League Soccer, something that it's not possible because the events took place in a Leagues Cup match.

On the other hand, the MLS could take action against Luis Suarez and punish the player. While specialists are speculating that the punishment for the Uruguayan striker will only happen in a future Leagues Cup match, the former USMNT star Alexi Lalas added fuel to the discussion by saying that the MLS could punish Suarez as the image of both tournaments are attached to each other.

It wasn't an MLS game last night. Leagues Cup is a separate competition organized between MLS and Liga MX. However, there is language in the CBA that enables the MLS Commissioner to address actions deemed detrimental to the reputation and public image of MLS. We'll see. https://t.co/kdiZK552UV
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) September 1, 2025

What Is the CBA Lalas Is Referring To?

What Lalas is referring to is the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between MLS and the players’ union. Essentially, the CBA sets the rules for player discipline, salaries, roster management, and other working conditions in the league.

Even though Suárez’s actions occurred during a Leagues Cup match, MLS and the players’ union are bound by the same CBA, which gives the league the authority to discipline players for conduct that could harm its image. That’s why Lalas suggested MLS could step in: the CBA allows the league to enforce standards of behavior across competitions involving its players, not just regular-season MLS games.

In other words, while the Leagues Cup itself may not issue suspensions, MLS can use the CBA as a tool to hold Suárez accountable and protect the integrity of its tournaments.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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