FIFA announced Wednesday it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Uruguay forward Luis Suarez for allegedly biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Tuesday's World Cup match.
FIFA disclosed an apparent breach of its disciplinary code.
The incident came in the 80th minute of Uruguay's 1-0 win when Suarez approached a back-tracking Chiellini, leaned into the Italian defender and appeared to bite down on his left shoulder.
Chiellini collapsed in obvious pain and Suarez fell to the ground next to him.
The moment came one minute prior to Diego Godin's header to win the match.
FIFA asked the Uruguayan team to show evidence and their position prior to 4 p.m. ET Wednesday. Suarez, who has had two other biting incidents in the past, could face at least a two-game ban and up to a maximum penalty of up to 24 matches or two years.
A decision is expected prior to Saturday's round-of-16 contest between Uruguay and Colombia.
FIFA said the disciplinary committee was responsible "for sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials' attention."
It appeared match referee Marco Rodriguez of Mexico wasn't looking in the direction of the incident.
[SportsNetwork.com]
