Jakarta, IO – Indonesia failed to host the U-20 World Cup. This was stated directly by the FIFA President Gianni Infantino through an official statement received by Observerid.com, Wednesday (29/3).
The decision was taken after Infantino met with Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir in Qatar yesterday. “FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia from hosting the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup,” the statement read.
FIFA confirmed that the tournament will be held as scheduled. They said they would soon announce a new host. Despite the decision, FIFA underscored that it remains committed to actively help PSSI.
“We will work closely together and with the support of President Joko Widodo government, in the process of transforming Indonesian football after the tragedy that occurred in October 2022. Members of FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the necessary assistance to PSSI, under the leadership of Chairman Thohir,” said FIFA.
After being removed as host, Indonesia is said to receive sanctions. FIFA said once a new host has been announced, they would discuss potential sanctions for PSSI.
Read: Jokowi on opposition to Israel in U20 World Cup: Don’t mix up sports with politics!
According to Katadata, although there is no official explanation yet from FIFA, a slew of potential sanctions await Indonesia including fines of up to billions of rupiah, disciplinary sanctions in the form of ban from participating in international tournaments, isolation from international football scene and inability to hold major tournaments such as the World Cup and Olympic.
The saga started after Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo refused to allow Israeli national team play in Indonesia. After the rejection, FIFA canceled the draw to determine matches in the group stage scheduled to be held in Bali on March 31.(un)