DHAKA: Fifa has announced it will open an investigation into allegations Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in Tuesday's World Cup encounter in Natal.                  

The Liverpool forward could face a lengthy ban from football after being accused of biting an opponent for the third time in his controversial career. 

The two clashed late in the Group D fixture which Uruguay went on to win 1-0 to eliminate the Azzurri.   

Chiellini immediately drew the attention of referee Marco Rodriguez, pulling down his shirt to display his skin. However, no action was taken by the Mexican official.

Pictures and videos of the incident quickly spread on social media and Fifa, the world game's governing body, later confirmed it will look into the matter further.

A Fifa spokesperson told Goal: "We are awaiting the official match reports and will gather all the necessary elements in order to evaluate the matter."

Fifa have the authority to ban the Liverpool star for up to two years and their disciplinary code allows the use of video evidence.

The spokesperson added: "The Fifa Disciplinary Committee is responsible for sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials' attention. Furthermore, any type of proof may be produced, reports from referees, declarations from the parties and witnesses, material evidence, audio or video recordings."

Suarez has been banned for biting twice before.

BDST: 1040 HRS, JUN 25, 2014