Uruguay forward Luis Suarez is at the centre of further controversy after appearing to punch Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during a World Cup qualifier Santiago.

Goals from Esteban Paredes and Eduardo Vargas handed the hosts a crucial 2-0 win but the game was overshadowed but Suarez's alleged jab on Jara, which was seen by television cameras during the match.

FIFA will await the referee's post-match report before deciding whether to take retrospective action against Suarez, who could face a lengthy ban from international football and miss part of Uruguay's World Cup qualifying campaign.

With only the top four from the CONMEBOL confederation earning automatic qualification for the World Cup, Oscar Tabarez's side face a mountain to climb having taken just 13 points from their 11 games.

Suarez will miss the next qualifying game against Venezuela, who occupy the final play-off spot in the group, after picking up a fourth booking of the group stage on Tuesday night.

But his absence could extend into the twilight of the group stage, and should FIFA deem the incident to be severe enough, Suarez could miss the remaining five qualifying games.

The Liverpool striker can take heart from the fact that Spain forward David Villa escaped a ban during the 2010 World Cup for a similar incident against Honduras.

However, FIFA banned Columbian international Lady Andrade for two matches for striking FIFA World Player of the Year Abby Wambach during the Olympic women's football competition last year.

The incident is the latest controversial episode of Suarez's recent career. After his deliberate handball in the World Cup second round match against Ghana, which sparked outrage, Suarez was banned for seven matches for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otmann Bakkal while playing for Ajax.

Luis Suarez

The 26 year old wasted little time making his mark on English football upon moving to Liverpool in January 2011, gaining a reputation for diving while he was banned for eight games by The Football Association the following December for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

He stirred further controversy earlier this season following a spate of further simulation incidents, namely against United last September before a handball in the lead up to scoring against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round sparked accusations of cheating.

Suarez has gone on record suggesting he would consider an offer from abroad to leave Liverpool but regardless of his destination next season, the Premier League's top scorer is unlikely to be far away from controvercy.

Manchester United FC