FIFA, which finds itself under heavy scrutiny following the indictment of 14 world soccer officials on charges of taking bribes and other corruption, has paradoxically banned Indonesia from international play for failing to manage its own affairs and allowing third parties, namely its government, to influence its soccer association.
The ban, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, means Indonesia will not be allowed to compete in qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia or the 2019 AFC Asian Cup hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
"This decision resulted from the effective 'take over' of the activities of [Indonesian Football Assn.