KARACHI, Dec 11: Pakistan will appeal against the fine and suspensions imposed Wednesday by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for fielding over-age players in an event earlier this year, officials here said.

“We have not yet been officially told of the decision, but once it is conveyed by the AFC we will appeal against the penalties because we never fielded over-age players,” Pakistan Football Federation secretary Agha Liaquat Ali said.

At a Wednesday meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the AFC slapped fines and sanctions on Pakistan and Yemen for fielding over-age players in Asia’s under-17 main round held in the United Arab Emirates in September.

Ali said he was informed of the penalties by telephone from Malaysia, where the AFC said eight Pakistani and four Yemeni players were found to be over-age.

The players concerned and managers of both teams are suspended for two years while Pakistan and Yemen would be suspended from taking part in the next AFC Under-17 event due in 2004.

Both countries were also fined 10,000 dollars.

“The AFC would not hesitate in taking action on those who cheat and this action against Pakistan and Yemen is a part of our strict policy,” AFC President Mohamed Bin Haman is quoted as saying from Malaysia.

Pakistan lost 3-0 to South Korea and 2-1 to Yemen, and drew 1-1 against Vietnam in the group stages to bow out of the event, while Yemen finished runners-up to South Korea.

Football’s international body FIFA banned Pakistan from international events in 1994 following domestic sporting disputes but rescinded the move four months later.

Kuala Lumpur: AFC Wednesday imposed a one-year ban on India hosting any international football tournaments after failing to provide a report on a mass brawl.

AFC general secretary Peter Velappan said the body was “seriously upset” that Indian officials had not made a report on a punch-up between players from Calcutta’s Mohan Bagan and Brazilian side Palmeiras.

“Despite numerous reminders and time extensions, the AIFF (All India Football Federation) had yet to submit this report to the AFC,” he told reporters.

Players from both teams were involved in ugly skirmishes during the Indian Football Association Shield.

The AIFF was also hit with a 5,000 dollar-fine, Velappan said.—AFP