FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Uruguay striker Luis Suarez for allegedly biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during their World Cup match, according to dpa. Suarez and the Uruguay football association have until 5 pm Brasilia time (2000 GMT) to state their case and present any relevant documents, football's governing body said Wednesday. "FIFA can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the player Luis Suarez of Uruguay," the body said in a statement. Suarez, who has served two lengthy suspensions for biting opponents, could face a ban of up to 24 matches if found guilty. Uruguay Football Association president Wilmar Valdez said Wednesday in a radio interview that Suarez would not testify, but Valdez was reportedly on his way from the team quarters in Natal to Rio. The Liverpool striker has downplayed the incident, and told Uruguyan media: "I have just heard (about the investigation). If we are going to investigate anything ... These are incidents of play and they should stay on the pitch." He had said earlier: "We are all football players, we know what happens on the pitch, we don't have to take anything seriously." -- SPA 21:41 LOCAL TIME 18:41 GMT تغريد
