Ex-Chelsea Players, Essien & Cole Face Jail Sentence in Indonesia (See why)

When Essien signed for the club 

Former Chelsea FC players, Michael Essien and Carlton Cole could be jailed for up to five years for breaking Indonesian immigration laws after playing illegally for Persib Bandung football club.

According to The Sun UK, 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.

Carlton Cole was unveiled as a new Persib Bandung player 

The punishment for flouting Indonesian immigrations laws can fines of up to £30,0000 and five years in prison.

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 spokesperson for the immigration authorities said: “They are professionals so they must hold a permit to perform activities in Indonesia."

34-year-old Essien who agreed the 12-month contract with the option for a further year to continue his playing career in the emerging league in Indonesia in March, said: “I hope I am the prelude to other world players moving to Indonesia. Hopefully this is a good beginning for Indonesian football and also for Persib.”

Meanwhile 34-year-old Cole, after a year in America with Sacramento Republic, signed a one year contract with the club, which is spending big in an attempt to become a major force on Asian football.