FIFA announced on Wednesday that Indonesia has been denied the right to hold the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. The decision to remove Indonesia as the host of the tournament from May 20 to June 11 was made after its football association (PSSI) announced that it had canceled the draw after the governor of the predominantly Hindu island of Bali refused to host Israel’s team.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” a FIFA statement said.
FIFA is determined not to allow Indonesia to host the tournament and further highlighted their support for Israel
Indonesia’s president said on Tuesday that Israel’s involvement in the Under-20 World Cup, which his country will host, would not change his country’s foreign policy, despite domestic protests. Joko Widodo confirmed sending Erick Thohir, a cabinet minister and former Inter Milan chairman who leads the national football association (PSSI), to meet with FIFA after the draw for next month’s tournament was canceled due to resistance to Israel’s participation. Jokowi, as the president is widely known, emphasized Indonesia’s support for Palestine and a two-state solution, and stated that Israel’s qualification had been secured long before his country was awarded hosting rights.
“I hereby guarantee Israel’s participation has nothing to do with the consistency of our foreign policy position toward Palestine because our support for Palestine is always strong and sturdy,” he said in a live-streamed address. Meanwhile, FIFA is determined not to allow Indonesia to host the tournament and further highlighted their support for Israel. “A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”
