Inter Miami stars Suarez, Busquets handed heavy suspensions after Leagues Cup final brawl vs Seattle Sounders

Following the post-match altercations in the Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami CF and Seattle Sounders FC, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets have been hit with significant suspensions.

This past weekend, Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Seattle Sounders FC in the Leagues Cup final—a major setback in the club’s season ambitions. After the final whistle, heated clashes broke out between players and staff members from both teams, including Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Disciplinary action has now been announced.

“Following the conclusion of the match, Inter Miami CF player Luis Suarez was reported by the Match Officials for spitting at a Seattle Sounders coaching staff member,” reads a statement from the tournament organization. “In accordance with Article 4.2.C of the Leagues Cup 2025 Competition Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has issued a six-match suspension to Suarez.”

It’s important to note that this suspension applies only to Leagues Cup matches, not Major League Soccer, meaning it will not take immediate effect. Suarez will be sidelined for the entire next edition of the Leagues Cup—assuming the current format of six total matches, including the final, remains in place.

Additional Leagues Cup suspensions

While Luis Suarez was at the center of attention following Sunday’s incident, he wasn’t the only player sanctioned. In fact, two other Inter Miami players have also received suspensions to be served during the 2026 edition of the Leagues Cup.

Sergio Busquets received a less severe—but still notable—penalty. The Spanish midfielder will miss the first two matches of next year’s tournament for violent conduct after assaulting Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas.

The third Inter Miami player punished is Tomas Aviles. The Argentine defender was seen participating in the post-match scuffle and will be suspended for three matches. Finally, Seattle assistant coach Steven Lenhart has also received a heavy sanction: five games.

* Developing story