Liverpool and Uruguay football striker Luis Suarez is being made to pay dearly for a biting incident – allegedly his third – that occurred in a World Cup football match this year (see previous reports).
In addition to FIFA penalties that include a GBP 66,000 fine, a nine-game international football ban and a four month suspension, the ill-disciplined professional footballer has been fired by 888poker.com after just a month as its roving ambassador.
In a statement Friday, the Gibraltar-based company explained its decision:
“888poker signed Luis Suarez following a fantastic season for which his achievements were widely recognised.
“Regrettably, following his actions during Uruguay’s World Cup match against Italy on Tuesday, 888poker has decided to terminate its relationship with Luis Suarez with immediate effect.”
The pain might not end there; sports equipment supplier Adidas, which also sponsors the footballer, has issued a statement noting:
“Adidas certainly does not condone Luis Suarez’s recent behaviour and we will again be reminding him of the high standards we expect from our players.
“We have no plan to use Suarez for any additional marketing activities during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“We will discuss all aspects of our future partnership directly with Suarez and his team following the World Cup.”
The sports company added that it would hold talks with Suarez next month over its GBP1 million sponsorship deal, amid rumours it could terminate the agreement.
Adidas cautioned Suarez last year following his biting of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic,