PARAMARIBO. (AFP) – Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe and Honduran club Olimpia have been expelled from this year’s CONCACAF league after an investigation found ‘serious breaches’ of integrity rules, the football association said on Saturday.
The two clubs’ game in Paramaribo on Tuesday grabbed global headlines after Ronnie Brunswijk, 60, owner of Inter and vice-president of Suriname, picked himself to start the game.
The video, which was widely shared on social media after Tuesday’s game which ended in a 6-0 loss for Inter, showed Brunswijk appearing to hand out cash to Olimpia players after the game .
In a statement on Saturday, CONCACAF said Inter Moengotapoe and Olimpia had been banned from the CONCACAF league with “immediate effect”.
Brunswijk has also been banned from participating in any CONCACAF competition in any capacity for three years, according to the statement.
“The CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee has thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding the integrity issues raised by a video released on social media following the CONCACAF League game between Inter Moengotapoe and CD Olimpia,” said CONCACAF.
“After reviewing the actions shown in the video and reviewing the written statements of both clubs, the committee has determined that serious breaches of the integrity rules occurred after the match.
“Due to these breaches of the rules, both clubs were disqualified and removed from this year’s CONCACAF League with immediate effect.
“The committee has also decided that Mr. Ronnie Brunswijk will be banned from participating in CONCACAF competitions in any capacity for three years.”
CONCACAF said investigations are ongoing and other people may also face penalties in connection with the matter.
Brunswijk played 54 minutes in Inter’s defeat on Tuesday, alongside Damian Brunswijk – his son.
The episode is just the latest in Brunswijk’s colorful life and times. A former sergeant and former rebel leader, Brunswijk took part in Suriname’s 1980s civil war against then-dictator Desi Bouterse.