IDNAround – World football governing body FIFA on Wednesday decided to cancel Indonesia’s hosting of the upcoming U-20 World Cup following the debate in the country over the participation of Israel, which has qualified for the final rounds.
Indonesia will also get a sanction due to the fiasco but details of the matter have yet to be decided.
The decision was taken after a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Indonesian Football Association Chairman Erick Thohir in Doha.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” the FIFA statement reads.
“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.”
The statement said that despite this decision, FIFA “remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI, in close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Joko Widodo, in the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022”.
These remarks refer to the football crush that killed more than 130 people at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java that occurred after security officials fired tear gas munitions at spectators.
FIFA also said its members will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI.
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