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FIFA charges Luis Suarez for biting in World Cup

If found guilty, FIFA rules call for a ban of at least two matches up to a maximum of 24 months

Natal : Luis Suarez gives referee Marco Rodriguez from Mexico a thumbs up during the group D World Cup soccer match between Italy and Uruguay at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil

AP PTI Rio de Janeiro
FIFA has officially charged Uruguay's Luis Suarez for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in the teams' World Cup match, a process that could lead to a suspension for Uruguay's best offensive player.

FIFA announced today that its disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Suarez, just hours after the end of yesterday's match.

If the panel finds Suarez guilty of assaulting an opponent, FIFA rules call for a ban of at least two matches up to a maximum of 24 months.

FIFA asked the team to present evidence, which can include video recordings, by 2000 GMT today.

A decision must be published before Saturday, when Uruguay plays Colombia in a round-of-16 match at Maracana stadium.
 
Uruguay advanced by beating Italy 1-0 yesterday in Natal. One minute before the decisive goal, Suarez clashed with Chiellini and was caught by television cameras apparently biting his shoulder.

Match referee Marco Rodriguez of Mexico appeared not to see the incident and took no action.

Brazil's World Cup has been a high-scoring tournament featuring late goals, comebacks, full stadiums and underdog stories, but the bite has got much of the global attention yesterday.

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First Published: Jun 25 2014 | 11:12 AM IST

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