FIFA bans, fines Indonesian coach

Jakarta, April 20 (IANS) An Indonesia football coach has been banned for four games and fined by FIFA for accusing match officials of taking bribes during a 10-0 loss to Bahrain in World Cup qualifying.

Coach Aji Santoso and the Indonesian Football Association said they accepted the punishments but didn't rule out an appeal, reported Xinhua.

Santoso was fined $6,530 by FIFA.

The coach was red-carded by Lebanese referee Andre Al Haddad in the 75th minute of February's match in Manama following allegations that he accused Al Haddad of being bribed.

In the second minute, Al Haddad sent off Indonesia's goalkeeper and awarded four penalties to Bahrain, which needed to make up for a nine-goal deficit on Qatar to have a chance to advancing to the next round.

Nevertheless, Qatar drew 2-2 with Iran, and both the teams advanced. FIFA called the outcome "unusual" and launched an investigation.

Indonesia was warned by FIFA before the match to send its strongest team, but an inexperienced team was selected after Indonesia suspended players from clubs in the breakaway Indonesian Super League.

Edi Ellison, the spokesman for the Indonesian association, said they will wait to decide on an appeal after the result of FIFA's probe.