Controls eased but Suarez fails to reduce ban

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has failed in his appeal to have a four-month ban completely overturned but a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) means he can now feature in friendlies for club and country.

The Uruguay international was suspended from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, with the punishment also including a nine-match international suspension and a fine.

Suarez, the Uruguay Football Association and Barcelona — who spent £75 million to sign the striker from Liverpool, after he was sent home from Brazil in disgrace — appealed to CAS over the severity of the punishment and a number of restrictions have now been lifted.