ZURICH - Indonesia has been suspended by FIFA less than two weeks before it begins qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup.

FIFA says its executive committee approved the sanction because of the Indonesian government's "effective 'take over'" of the national football federation. FIFA rules prohibit government interference.

A FIFA ban prevents national and club teams plus officials taking part in international matches and meetings.

Indonesia is scheduled to begin a World Cup qualifying group on June 11 away to Taiwan, and host Iraq five days later. The group also includes Thailand and Vietnam.

FIFA made one concession to Indonesian football.

The national team can fulfil its place at the Southeast Asian Games tournament which kicked off Friday.