Everything you need to know about the Luis Suarez ban

The verdict is in: For biting in the first degree, Luis Suarez is suspended for nine Uruguay matches and is banned from all football-related activity for four months. It should be noted international friendlies do not count under the ban, meaning Suarez could miss next year’s Copa America.

It’s a devastating blow for Uruguay, who will play Colombia in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Rio at the Maracana.

FIFA’s ruling impacts Suarez, Uruguay and Liverpool. Here’s what you need to know going forward.

Will Uruguay appeal the decision?

Uruguay have three days to file their appeal and FA President Wilmar Valdez made it clear they will.

"It is an excessive decision and there was not enough evidence and I have seen more aggressive incidents recently,” said Valdez, speaking outside of a hotel in Rio.

"It is a severe punishment. I don't know exactly which arguments they used but it is a tough punishment for Suarez...It's feels like Uruguay has been thrown out of the World Cup. We all know what Suarez means to Uruguay and to football around the world - not having Suarez would be a loss to any team.''

Suarez’s World Cup accreditation is now cancelled and he will not have access to FIFA stadiums, hotels and other facilities.

Can they win the appeal?

It’s a severe ban, but based on Suarez’s prior transgressions it’s unlikely the Uruguayans will be successful.

Suarez will not be allowed to play while the appeal is being reviewed as article 124 of the Fifa disciplinary code states the ban does not have a “suspensive effect.”

Uruguay is reportedly considering a boycott of their Round of 16 match vs. Colombia.

What happens to Uruguay now?

Edinson Cavani or bust. The most expensive player left in the tournament plays second fiddle with PSG and Uruguay, but not anymore, at least not with the national team. Can Cavani fill in for two up front?

It would be fitting if Diego Forlan came to his country’s rescue one more time. The 35-year-old would end his illustrious international career on the perfect note.

How many Liverpool games will Suarez miss?

The Mirror’s Ben Burrows reports Suarez will miss around 13 games for Liverpool, including fixtures against Manchester City and Everton as well as three Champions League matches.

All told, Suarez will have missed 32 games, at the club and international level, in the past two and a half years through suspension.

Can they sell him?

Liverpool will be able to sell Suarez while the ban is in effect, contrary to initial reports. The striker would have to serve out his suspension with his new club.

Will they?

It would be in Liverpool’s interest to sell Suarez as soon as possible. Barcelona was rumored to be preparing a £80m bid before the World Cup began. But that pricetag is plummeting quickly. How do other clubs know he won’t reoffend? They don’t. That’s the Suarez conundrum. World Class talent laced with episodes of madness. Someone will take the chance. They always do.