• Fifpro wants striker to get help for off-field issues • Union says Uruguayan’s ‘right to work’ is being infringed

The international players’ union FifPro has questioned why Luis Suárez’s four-month ban from all football for biting an opponent does not include “serious treatment” to help the striker deal with his problem. His attack on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini was the third time in four years that he has bitten an opponent.

The union is also concerned that Liverpool have been affected by the ban and have said Suárez’s “right to work” was also being infringed.

Suárez and the Uruguay FA are appealing against the sanctions, which include a nine-match international suspension.

FifPro said in a statement: “This is a very serious matter, as reflected by the sanctions imposed by Fifa’s disciplinary committee. The sanction will be reviewed and Fifa will have to focus especially on the accumulation of sanctions including a four-month ban from all football activity.

“The fact that Suárez is prohibited from working for a long period must be addressed as it directly infringes his right to work. Also the fact that Liverpool is affected needs to be an important issue.

“Luis Suárez should receive all the support he needs to deal with any off-field issues he may be experiencing at this time. This means that the focus should be on the rehabilitation and serious treatment of the player. FifPro believes that treatment must be a part of any sanction.

“Luis Suárez deserves all the support he needs including legal support in the appeal case in order to achieve a reduction of the sanctions.”