[Mighty T.A.L.]

Chile stars get 20-game bans

Six members of the Chile national side have been banned for 20 games by the Chilean FA as a result of serious incidents that took place after the team's Copa America victory over Mexico.

And Chile boss Nelson Acosta (pictured) has resigned after being held responsible for allowing the players to go out to the bar where the events reportedly took place on 4th July.

Jorge Valdivia, Jorge Vargas, Pablo Contreras, Reinaldo Navia, Rodrigo Tello and Alvaro Ormeno have all been suspended for their parts in the events, which preceded Chile's 6-1 defeat in the quarter-final clash against Brazil.

The ban means the players will not be able to play a single match of the South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Acosta said he decided to step down as coach because of undue criticism and to give the board time to find the right man to replace him.

"I gave all the freedom to the board members," he told Radio Cooperativa.

"I leave my position with the national team after 10 years of doing a job that will go down in the history of Chilean football. Now they have enough time to choose a new coach.

"It's not good when you are in a position that each time something happens you are attacked. People must be careful and have respect."

Source: Skysports