The international players’ union claims the Uruguay player’s sanction for biting was not designed to properly rehabilitate him and has backed the nation’s intention to appeal

Fifpro has questioned the severity of Fifa’s punishment of Luis Suarez for his latest biting episode.

The Uruguay forward was pictured sinking his teeth into the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup group stage match – an incident that initially went unpunished by the referee.

It was the third charge against Suarez for biting an opponent and on Thursday Fifa hit the player with a four-month ban from all football activity, a nine-match suspension from competitive international fixtures and a fine of 100,000 Swiss Francs (€82,000).

However, the international players’ union thinks the punishment will fail to properly correct Suarez’s behavior, saying that it “infringes his right to work” and “doesn’t offer him the treatment he needs”.

“Luis Suarez deserves all the support he needs including legal support in the appeal case in order to achieve a reduction of the sanctions,” said Fifpro in a statement.

“The fact that Suarez is prohibited from working for a long period must be addressed as it directly infringes his right to work.

“Also the fact that Liverpool FC is affected needs to be an important issue.”

The Uruguay Football Federation is preparing an appeal to Fifa, and Fifpro thinks that such an action can “re-establish the facts in a calm and considered setting.”

If the appeal is dismissed, then the case can be escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which may allow Suarez to play for Liverpool throughout the appeals process.