:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34783611/490335235.0.jpg)
After speaking to sources within FIFA that are close to the investigation, Spanish newspaper AS believe a four-match ban is the likeliest outcome of the charges against Luis Suarez. Though many pundits have been quick to view his act as something more than the more common sorts of violent conduct that can occur in football, those same sources suggest FIFA views the Suarez incident as of a broadly similar nature.
FIFA sources say Suárez' punishment has to reflect reality:"What's the difference between what he did & a head butt, or a deliberate elbow?"
— AS English (@English_AS) June 25, 2014
While a longer ban remains possible, an extended suspension that sees Suarez missing out on the Copa America or perhaps even being banned from international play indefinitely does not appear to be on the table despite the sensationalist headlines in some sections of the press. Being suspended at the club level is also highly unlikely. However, it seems certain Suarez will at the very least miss the rest of the World Cup.
He also faces other concerns, with sponsors Adidas and 888poker.com evaluating whether they wish to remain tied to the controversial striker. Liverpool also plan to hold meetings between Brendan Rodgers and upper management to determine their course of action, though unless Barcelona or Real Madrid are willing to offer a world record fee it's difficult to imagine Suarez will begin the season anywhere but at Anfield.
