Suarez could face international ban

Montevideo: Uruguay`s Luis Suarez could be handed an extended international ban after appearing to punch Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during a World Cup qualifier in Santiago.

Video replays showed Suarez making contact with Jara with a right fist to the face during Chile`s 2-0 victory over the reigning Copa America champions on Tuesday. The Liverpool striker was later booked by referee Nestor Pitana for an unrelated incident, meaning he will miss Uruguay`s next qualifier away to Venezuela on June 11. Local media quoted a FIFA spokesperson as saying that football`s governing body was awaiting the referee`s match report, before deciding whether to take action against Suarez or not. "We are still collecting all the post-match international reports, since the officials have got 24 hours to send them. Based on (them), FIFA will proceed," the spokesperson said. Tuesday`s result left Uruguay sixth in the South America zone standings while Chile rose to the fourth spot. The top four teams will qualify for next year`s World Cup finals in Brazil. IANS