ZURICH (AP) FIFA has imposed worldwide suspensions on four English players and one Australian coach implicated in a criminal investigation into match-fixing.
FIFA says its disciplinary panel extended bans from football already applied nationally by Football Federation Australia while the case is prosecuted.
A Malaysian man, Segaran "Gerry" Gsubramaniam, allegedly fixed matches involving Melbourne-based provincial league team Southern Stars for betting scams.
English players Reiss Noel, David Obaze, Joe Woolley and Nicholas McKoy and team coach Zia Younan have been charged with match-fixing offenses. They are due to reappear in court on Dec. 6.
FIFA says the current football sanctions will apply until they are convicted of a criminal offense. If acquitted, the bans will apply until Dec. 31, 2015 or earlier, if they are reduced by the Australian federation.
