Fifa suspends Indonesia

Fifa suspends Indonesia

Indonesian football players celebrate after a goal during an AFF Suzuki Cup match against Laos in Hanoi on Nov 28 last year. (AFP Photo)
Indonesian football players celebrate after a goal during an AFF Suzuki Cup match against Laos in Hanoi on Nov 28 last year. (AFP Photo)

ZURICH — Indonesia has been suspended by Fifa less than two weeks before it begins qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup.

However, the national side would still be allowed to compete in the SEA Games which begin in Singapore on Friday, it said.

Fifa said on Saturday that its executive committee had approved the sanction because of the Indonesian government's "effective take over" of the national football federation. Fifa rules prohibit government interference in the sport.

A Fifa ban prevents national and club teams plus officials taking part in international matches and meetings.

Indonesia is scheduled to begin a World Cup qualifying group on June 11 away to Taiwan, and to host Iraq five days later. The group also includes Thailand and Vietnam.

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