Jakarta, IO – While he said he was disappointed, President Joko Widodo asked all parties to respect FIFA decision to remove Indonesia as host of this year’s U-20 World Cup.
“Last night I received a report from the chairman of PSSI that FIFA has decided to cancel the U20 World Cup in Indonesia. Of course we have to respect and accept the decision,” he said in an official statement, Thursday (30/3).
He also said that he understood the disappointment felts by many Indonesians, including he himself. However, he advised the public to stop blaming each other.
“As a great nation we must look forward, not backward. Make this a valuable lesson for all of us, for Indonesian national football,” he said.
Read: FIFA removes Indonesia as U20 host, will the country be sanctioned?
He also asked PSSI chairman Erick Thohir to take necessary measures to prevent Indonesia from being sanctioned by FIFA.
“Including the opportunity to host other international events,” he added. (rr)