Luis Suarez bite: Fifa promises to make quick decision after strikers bite on Giorgio Chiellini

Governing body promises disciplinary decision will make "urgent decision"

Italy's Giorgio Chiellini (L) claims he was bitten by Uruguay's Luis Suarez (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2014 group D preliminary round match between Italy and Uruguay at the Estadio Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil

Football's world governing body Fifa has promised that its disciplinary committee will make a quick decision on Luis Suarez.

"The disciplinary committee understands the urgency of the matter and is working to make a decision as soon as possible, particularly as Uruguay are still in the tournament," a Fifa spokeswoman told the Guardian.

UPDATE: Luis Suarez banned for nine matches

The Uruguay striker sparked outrage when he appeared to sink his teeth into the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

It is the third time he has bit an opponent in his career.

The spokeswoman added: "They have already showed they are fully aware of the urgency of the matter. They will address the matter with the necessary urgency."

Fifa moved quickly last night to charge the striker, giving him until 9pm tonight to respond.

The independent committee, chaired by Claudio Sulser, has requested footage of the incident from a variety of angles.

"Let the disciplinary committee do their duty and wait until they have their decision. The body deciding the sanction decides the scope of it," the spokeswoman said.

"We have to wait, we will communicate as soon as we have an update. For the moment we don’t have more to say on that matter."

Fifa has the power to the 27-year-old for up to two years or 24 international matches and in theory can extend it to domestic matches - though in the past that has not happened.

Uruguay face Colombia on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.