If El Salvador's Under-23 men's national team is to qualify for this summer's Olympics, they will have to do so without one of their top defenders.
Alexander Larin was suspended three games by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Friday for his actions against the United States in last Monday's Group A finale in Olympic qualifying at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn.
Larin gave forward Terrence Boyd a bloody nose after punching him in the face during an off-the-ball incident in the second half of the 3-3 draw that eliminated the Americans. Larin, who also allegedly bit Mix Diskerud and Freddy Adu in the game, did not receive any punishment from the referees for punching Boyd inside the penalty area.
The suspension means Larin will not be available to play in El Salvador's pivotal match versus Honduras at Livetrong Sporting Park in Kansas City on Saturday evening. Should El Salvador win that match and book their place in the Summer Games, he'd also miss the Olympic qualifying tournament final and the first game of the Olympics.
If El Salvador loses to Hondruas, Larin will be forced to miss two games in the next Under-23 tournament.
What do you think of Larin being suspended three games by FIFA for his actions? Is it a just suspension or should it have been longer?
Share your thoughts below.