Ex-Chelsea striker of Nigerian descent Carlton Cole has been threatened with deportation from Indonesia for violating immigration rules.

Cole and Michael Essien featured in Persib's goalless draw with Arema on the opening day of the season without a valid work permit in the country.

Persib have argued that they didn't have sufficient time to process Cole's documents in time for the game at Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api, and his transfer was announced to the public through the mass media.

If the two players are found guilty of violating immigration rules, they will be repatriated to their countries of origin.

Carlton Cole, 33, represented Chelsea, Wolves, Charlton, Aston Villa, West Ham and Celtic before transferring to Indonesia on March 30, 2017.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : persib.co.id