Major League Soccer has handed down additional punishments following the heated altercation that erupted after the Seattle Sounders’ victory over Inter Miami in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. The league announced suspensions for Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez and Seattle Sounders assistant coach Steven Lenhart, along with fines for Seattle.
Luis Suarez Suspension Details
Inter Miami star Luis Suarez has been suspended for three MLS matches, sidelining him against Charlotte FC, the Seattle Sounders, and D.C. United. This comes in addition to his six-game Leagues Cup suspension, which will take effect when the competition returns in 2026.
Suarez’s future remains uncertain, as speculation grows about whether the veteran striker will continue playing beyond this season or opt for retirement. Miami, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, hold four games in hand over most rivals. Winning those matches could see them climb into first place in MLS.
Steven Lenhart Punishment
Seattle assistant coach Steven Lenhart, a former San Jose Earthquakes player known for his physical playing style, has had his credentials revoked for the remainder of the 2025 season and playoffs. He also faces a five-game Leagues Cup suspension next year.
Video footage from the incident showed Lenhart, wearing a white hat, throwing punches during the post-match chaos. MLS also fined the Sounders for misappropriation of credentials.
No Extra Bans for Busquets and Aviles
Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Tomas Aviles escaped further MLS punishment. However, their earlier Leagues Cup suspensions — two games for Busquets and three for Aviles — still apply exclusively to that competition.
Playoff Picture Impact
- Inter Miami: Suarez’s absence could impact their push for playoff seeding, though their games in hand offer a chance to rise to the top of the East.
- Seattle Sounders: Fresh off their Leagues Cup triumph, they remain one of the leading title contenders heading into the MLS Cup playoffs despite the coaching staff setback.
