FIFA's disciplinary chief has defended the decision to impose a ban on Luis Suarez that also affects Liverpool for the biting offence committed at the World Cup.
Suarez's four-month ban from all football-related activity means he cannot play for a club until the end of October - but it would not prevent him having a medical for any possible transfer to Barcelona.
Claudio Sulser, the head of FIFA's disciplinary committee, said that an all-encompassing ban was the "risk" the player took.
Asked why the committee imposed a ban that damaged Liverpool, Sulser told Press Association Sport: "That's your opinion. It's a sanction against the player. That is the risk if you are a player and you are sanctioned at the World Cup.
"I agree with you it's a problem for Liverpool, but the sanction is in the disciplinary regulations."
Uruguay striker Suarez has appealed against the four-month ban imposed for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini.
Liverpool remain in talks with Barcelona over the transfer of Suarez, and Sulser had earlier told a news conference that the player would be allowed to have a medical ahead of a transfer under the terms of his ban, which relates to all football-related activities including from stadiums.
Sulser said: "The player cannot have any activity related to football, but a medical examination for a transfer, yes - the sanction is not linked to transfer rights."
Source: PA
