The countdown to the verdict was widely followed on Twitter with Barca fans optimistic about a favourable result. At 15:00 in Lausanne, it was made official. Luis Suarez's four-month ban stands. However, there is a sense of relief for the Catalans as the Uruguayan striker has now been allowed to train.
Reacting to CAS' verdict, FIFPro released a statement:
"FIFPro is disappointed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has decided not to strongly diminish the sanctions that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee had imposed on Luis Suarez.
"[...] CAS has not published the grounds for its decision. FIFPro is awaiting these grounds, to make a thorough statement.
"FIFPro – the voice of all professional footballers worldwide – remains of the view that the current sanctions are disproportionate in relation to his violation of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
"FIFPro does welcome the fact that CAS has cancelled the four-month ban from all football-related activity, which was unfair to Suarez as it infringed his right to work at club level.
"FIFPro regrets that CAS has not decided to reduce the length of both playing bans in exchange for an obligation for Suarez to receive treatment."
Luis Suarez was sent home from the 2014 FIFA World Cup right after Uruguay's group stage triumph over Italy, during which he bite defender Giorgio Chiellini. Coincidentally, this Thursday happens to be Chiellini's birthday.
Suarez's 100,000 Swiss francs fine stands but his four-month club football ban and nine-match international football ban only apply for official games. This means that Luis Suarez can now participate in promotional activities, administrative matters and, as mentioned above, training. The ex-Liverpool star will be unveiled on Monday, August 18, 2014 as Barcelona will face Mexican club Leon in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
