Uruguay’s President Jose Mujica has insulted FIFA over Luis Suarez’s four-month ban.
Jose Mujica, 79, described the punishment, which also included a suspension for nine international matches, as a “fascist ban”.
Luis Suarez received the harshest sanction in World Cup history for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Jose Mujica is renowned for his plain-speaking manner.
The president made the comments to state TV at a reception for the Uruguay team, following their elimination from the World Cup last 16 by Colombia.
Jose Mijica covered his mouth to feign shock at what he had said, but told journalists to “publish it” when asked if he wanted to rectify his remarks.
He admitted that Luis Suarez deserved to be disciplined, but said his suspension was too harsh.
“They could have punished him, but not given him this fascist ban,” he said.
The former leftist guerrilla had previously said Luis Suarez was being punished by FIFA because of his humble background.
President Jose Mujica also denounced the ban in his weekly radio address as an “eternal shame” in the history of the World Cup.
Uruguay’s team suffered a 2-0 defeat in their last-16 tie against Colombia after being forced to do without their star striker because of the ban.
Uruguay’s football federation said it would appeal against FIFA’s punishment.
[youtube AW7B5bJlYZ4 650]
