Ex Chelsea Football Club players, Michael Essien and Carlton Cole are facing a possibility of a jail term for breaking Indonesian immigration laws by making their debuts for Persib Bandung illegally.
The government-backed Professional Sports Agency investigated their move and found the two ex-Premier League stars did not have the right paperwork.
The club has admitted they narrowly missed the deadline to get the two former Chelsea men officially registered but claims they were given permission to play.
And manager Umuh Muchtar claims they are being unfairly persecuted, saying:
“That they are here is a joy for us, they want to raise up Indonesia’s name in the world.
“Everybody knows that Essien is a world-class player, not an illegal immigrant.”
A Indonesian immigration authority spokesperson said:
“They are professionals so they must hold a permit to perform activities in Indonesia.”
After a huge celebration when the players arrived, the two stars could only earn their side a 0-0 draw against Arema FC on Saturday.
The punishment for flouting Indonesian immigrations laws can be harsh with fines of up to £30,0000 and five years’ imprisonment.
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