PETALING JAYA: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have banned Sabah women’s football team manager Arziz Afizy Rumsani for four AFC Champions League matches and fined the Selangor men’s side and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfielder Natxo Insa for offences under their disciplinary and ethics code.
Arziz was punished for abusing the match referee when his team played Abu Dhabi Country Club in the AFC Women’s Champions League on Oct 9. He was also fined US$5,000 (RM22,513).
Selangor were fined US$24,500 (RM110,337) for supporters displaying prohibited banners during their AFC Champions League Two match against Jeonbuk Hyundai at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Oct 23.
According to the AFC, the banners contained numerous insulting, religious and political messages and images.
“Selangor have been informed that a repeat violation may be met with more severe punishments,” said a statement from the AFC.
Natxo, who is also a national player, was fined US$5,000 (RM22,513), for questioning the impartiality and integrity of the referee for the game against Shandong Taishan in the AFC Champions League Elite on Nov 26 in statements made on social media.
Although the 38-year-old has apologised, the AFC still took action and have warned him that a repeat violation may be met with more severe punishment.
