Michael Essien and his former Chelsea teammate, Carlton Cole are facing a jail sentence for breaching immigration laws in Indonesia.

The 34-year-old signed a one year deal with Indonesian topflight side Persib Bandung last month and was joined by his Carlton Cole later on at the club.

READ MORE: Michael Essien

Essien played for Persib Bandung over the weekend in a goalless draw against Arema FC.

But, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder is on the verge of facing a legal battle for not possessing a working permit, according to the Indonesian government-backed Professional Sports Agency.

Persib Bandung admits that the work permits for Essien and Cole aren't ready, but that they got permission from the League authorities to use them in Saturday's game.

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Flouting immigration and work permit laws in Indonesia is considered a serious breech that could earn perpetrators hefty fines up to 500 millions Indonesian Rupiahs (about $38,000) and a prison sentence of up to five years.

Persib Bandung insist they did nothing wrong and that the Professional Sports Agency is witch-hunting their foreign players.

“That they are here is a joy for us, they want to raise up Indonesia’s name in the world,”  said manager Manager Umuh Muchtar.

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“Everybody knows that Essien is a world-class player, not an illegal immigrant.”

Immigration authorities have summoned the club management but it is not clear when the questioning would take place.

An immigration official explained that:“They (Essien and Cole) are professionals so they must hold a (work) permit to perform activities in Indonesia.”