Uruguay slams FIFA for bullying 'tiny nation' over Suarez ban

The president of Uruguay, Jose Mujica, criticized FIFA's decision Thursday to ban Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and accused the football's governing body of venting its anger on "a tiny nation"

27 June 2014, 1:30pm
by Staff Reporter

1 min read

Uruguayan national soccer team player Diego Forlan (R) receives a plaque from Urugayan President Jose Mujica (L) in 2010

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In a phone interview with De Zurda, a television show co-hosted by former Argentina star Diego Maradona, Mujica said that it would "not cost FIFA much to be harsh with Uruguay as it is a tiny nation."

FIFA handed Suarez a nine-match suspension and a four-month ban from all football-related activities after he bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win against Italy on Tuesday.

Mujica said the punishment was an "act of aggression" against Uruguayan fans.

At the time he was waiting at an air base in Montevideo as Suarez was expected to fly in from Natal. Mujica left after it was announced that the plane had been delayed.

Maradona described the sanction as "criminal," and said it was ironic that FIFA wanted to establish itself as a moral authority on such matters.

During the broadcast, Maradona was seen wearing a white T-shirt with the words "Luis, we are with you," written on it.