Uruguay defender Jose Gimenez could be slapped with a staggering 15-game ban after he appeared to elbow a FIFA official in the wake of his nation's controversial exit from the World Cup.
The South American's were tipped by many to progress into the knockout stages of the tournament, but Diego Alonso's side struggled to live up to expectations in Qatar, where they scored just twice in three games.
After banking a solitary point from their opening two group games, Uruguay knew they needed to beat Ghana to progress from Group H - but what they didn't bank on was South Korea beating Portugal : a result that condemned Uruguay to an early exit.
Uruguay cantered to a 2-0 win over Ghana courtesy of a brilliant brace from Giorgian De Arrascaeta, but the match was marred by refereeing controversy and ugly scenes as news began to filter out about the South Korea result.
Several Uruguay stars, including Gimenez, were left incensed after referee Daniel Siebert failed to award them a late penalty after Edinson Cavani was brought down inside the box.
And after learning that they were out of the tournament on goal difference, Gimenez and his teammates vented their frustrations at the referee as he left the pitch at full-time. While others ranted, Gimenez could find himself in hot water after elbowing a FIFA official in the back of the head during his attempts to personally confront Siebert.
The irate Atletico Madrid star had to be held back by his own teammates, and a new report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that the 27-year-old could face a lengthy ban if his post-match meltdown is reported to FIFA.
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Gimenez also unleashed an X-rated tirade down a nearby television camera after the late controversy. "They [the referees] are all a bunch of thieves these sons of b***hes," he fumed. "Yes, record me. Son of a b***h."
It is not currently clear whether any potential ban for Gimenez would carry over to domestic action, but if it did, it would be a huge blow for Atletico Madrid, who already 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona in LaLiga.
Gimenez may not be the only Uruguay star facing FIFA action - Cavani and Luis Suarez also reacted badly at the end of the match, with the former captured angrily striking a VAR monitor as he left the pitch.
Suarez hit out at FIFA and their officials after breaking down in tears at the final whistle. He insisted: "I see a penalty for Cavani because he is cut off by the defender and he puts his body in front of him. Darwin's is very clear too. They are not excuses, but incredible penalties are being awarded in this World Cup. And there is the committee of referees and FIFA, and they have to try to explain themselves better, at least."
