Adidas: No Suarez decision until after World Cup

LUIS Suarez’s four-month FIFA ban has the full support of his sponsor adidas, which will be discussing its partnership with the Uruguay striker after the World Cup.
Adidas are to discuss their partnership with Luis Suarez after their World Cup. Picture: PAAdidas are to discuss their partnership with Luis Suarez after their World Cup. Picture: PA
Adidas are to discuss their partnership with Luis Suarez after their World Cup. Picture: PA

Football’s world governing body handed down a record punishment to the 27-year-old after he bit Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 win against Italy on Tuesday.

Remarkably it was the third high-profile biting incident Suarez has been involved in and one which has seen him banned from any involvement in football, including playing at club level, for four months.

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The forward has also been fined 100,000 Swiss francs (just under £66,000) and could be set for an even bigger financial blow should his sponsors decide to cut ties.

The biggest of those is adidas and, having reminded Suarez of his responsibilities following his previous biting incident with Branislav Ivanovic, the company will be meeting with the player after the World Cup.

A statement from the sportswear manufacturer read: “adidas fully supports FIFA’s decision.

“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.”

Suarez also has a relationship with 888poker, having recently joined them as a worldwide ambassador.

The forward has produced several video diaries during the World Cup as part of that role, which will also see him join in with several of the company’s events.

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However, 888poker announced on Wednesday that it is considering dropping Suarez after this latest incident.

The company said in a statement: “Following the allegations made against Luis Suarez in regards to his behaviour during Uruguay’s World Cup match against Italy, 888poker is seriously reviewing its relationship with the player as we will not tolerate any unsporting behaviour.”

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