The World Cup in Brazil has been affecting productivity around the world with its group stage play over the last couple of weeks, but an incident in Tuesday’s match between Uruguay and Italy could have a far-reaching affect into the poker world.

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During the second half, the score was nil-nil when one of the more bizarre incidents in sports took place. Battling for position in the penalty box, Uruguay forward Luis Suarez (pictured), an 888 Pokersponsored global ambassador, was being marked by Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini as a cross came toward them. As caught by television cameras, Suarez appeared to bite the shoulder of Chiellini as the two players then tumbled into a heap on the pitch.

Chiellini immediately jumped up and ran to the referee, pulling his jersey from his shoulder to show a circular welt and teeth marks from Suarez’ attack. The official did nothing at the time and, as the game went on, Uruguay scored late in the match to take a 1-0 victory. The ramifications from the bite, however, could result in significant punishment for Suarez.

888 Poker has immediately begun to review the situation and determine what course of action to take. According to eGaming Review, 888 Poker released a statement regarding the uproar, saying, “Following the allegations made against Luis Suarez in regards to his behavior during Uruguay’s World Cup match against Italy, 888 Poker is seriously reviewing its relationship with the player, as we will not tolerate any unsporting behavior.”

The usage of Suarez as a global ambassador would be hugely diminished if Suarez were to receive any significant penalty for his actions. FIFA, the governing body of football, has launched an investigation into Suarez’ actions and instructed the Uruguay National Soccer Team to provide any evidence for the case by 5:00pm on Wednesday. If FIFA does find against Suarez for his actions, he could receive anywhere from a two-match ban to a 24-month ban, which would prevent Suarez from playing for the Uruguay National Team and for his club team Liverpool in the English Premier League.

Cries from the football community have called for a lifetime ban for the Uruguayan superstar because this isn’t his first infraction for biting another player. In 2010 while playing for AFC Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, Suarez received a seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal. Apparently, Suarez didn’t learn his lesson, as in 2013 he received a 10-match ban in the English Premier League for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

FIFA would have to make a decision on Suarez before the team’s next match. In the knockout phase that begins Saturday, Uruguay is playing Colombia and, should Suarez receive any type of suspension, it would significantly hurt his country’s chances of moving on in the World Cup.

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