Suárez and Busquets face harsh sanctions after Leagues Cup final disgrace
The Uruguayan forward and the Spanish midfielder actively participated in the brawl that erupted after the final whistle.
This Sunday featured an intense showdown between the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. At Lumen Field, the Rave Green and Las Garzas faced off to crown a new champion. While the South Florida side created opportunities, the Washington club repeatedly tested Óscar Ustari’s goal and ultimately triumphed in front of their home supporters.
Unfortunately, the match ended on a sour note. As previously reported, a brawl erupted at the final whistle, with Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Maximiliano Falcón, and Tomás Avilés involved in unsportsmanlike conduct toward the Sounders players. The veteran Spanish midfielder instigated the scuffle, and the experienced Uruguayan striker capped off the disgraceful moment by spitting at a Seattle staff member.
To the surprise of many, Busquets took an active role in sparking the melee, striking Obed Vargas with a closed fist—an offense that could result in a lengthy suspension. Under the 2025 Leagues Cup regulations, initiating or taking part in a mass brawl can carry a ban ranging from one to six matches.
Suárez also faces possible sanctions, with spitting on a Sounders staffer potentially classified as a violation of fair play and sportsmanship principles, as well as an act of provocation, disrespect, or insult toward another person (whether player or staff). Such behavior typically results in a suspension of one to three matches, but if treated as expulsion-level misconduct, spitting—or biting—can lead to a ban of six or more games.
For Inter Miami, the night was doubly painful—not only for losing the final and missing out on silverware, but also for once again displaying an inability to handle defeat with composure.
Full time. pic.twitter.com/2Olo8HDU97
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 1, 2025
Related stories
This is not the first time members of the squad have been suspended for behavior unbecoming of professional players in Major League Soccer. The next step now lies with the Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the fate of the players involved.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment