Ex-Barcelona stars handed hefty MLS suspension

What was supposed to be a celebration of North American soccer in the 2025 Leagues Cup final instead erupted into chaos, overshadowing Seattle Sounders’ 3-0 win over Inter Miami.

The post-match brawl at Lumen Field has now led to severe punishments for several high-profile figures, including ex-Barcelona legends Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets.

The Leagues Cup Organising Committee came down hard on Luis Suárez, suspending him for six matches in future editions of the tournament.

The 38-year-old striker was found guilty of spitting on Seattle’s security director Gene Ramirez, stomping on his foot, and even putting Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock during the altercation. His Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets was also sanctioned, receiving a two-match suspension after allegedly punching Vargas in the melee.

Rising Miami defender Tomás Avilés was slapped with a three-match ban, while Seattle assistant coach Steven Lenhart wasn’t spared either, collecting a five-match suspension.

In addition to the bans, all four individuals were fined for their roles in the fracas. While the suspensions apply solely to Leagues Cup competition, MLS has indicated that further disciplinary measures remain under review.

In the aftermath, Suárez took to Instagram to publicly apologise, calling his actions “a moment of tension and frustration” but conceding they were inexcusable. Inter Miami followed up with a formal statement condemning the violence and promising full cooperation with tournament and league officials.

For Suárez, the punishment adds another chapter to a long and controversial disciplinary history, stretching back to infamous biting incidents and violent conduct charges during his European career.

Busquets, meanwhile, finds his reputation dented by a rare but costly outburst. With Miami and Seattle set to clash again in MLS play on September 16, the stage is already set for a fiery rematch.

The spotlight, however, will no longer be on footballing excellence but on whether discipline can prevail in a rivalry suddenly turned volatile.