Under-20 World Cup 2023: Why Indonesia was stripped of hosting duty & who will new host be?
Australia24 explained the reasons for Indonesia’s disqualification as the U20 world cup host country. As well as considering who could be the new host.
FIFA have removed Indonesia as the U20 World Cup host.
The 23rd edition of the biennial world championship tournament was supposed to be held in the Asian state from May 20 to June 11.
However, following the cancellation of the draw for the tournament which was supposed to be held in Bali last Friday. FIFA revealed that it had revoked the hosting rights from Indonesia.
Why was Indonesia stripped of U-20 World Cup hosting duties?
Indonesia were awarded hosting rights in 2019 by FIFA.
However, FIFA had to cancel the official draw ceremony for the U-20 World Cup last Friday. Bali governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team.
Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Indonesia has also been a very vocal supporter of Palestine in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There were even street protests in Jakarta against Israel’s participation in the U-20 World Cup, showing their solidarity with Palestine.
Following the riots, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir. Would like to have a meeting on Wednesday to discuss a solution to the problem. However, the meeting was fruitless and further. FIFA released an official statement announcing the revocation of hosting rights from Indonesia.
The statement read: “FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia. As the host of the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.
“FIFA would like to underline that, despite this decision, it remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI. In close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Widodo. In the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022.
“Members of the FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia. In the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir.
“A new meeting between the FIFA President and the PSSI President for further discussions will be scheduled shortly.”
Who will be the new host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup?
FIFA need to quickly come up with an alternative host country. As the tournament is less than two months away from the scheduled start date.
The governing body do not want to change. The dates of the tournament and have assured that a new host will be revealed soon.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged,”. read a statement from FIFA.
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