The International Football Federation (FIFA) has canceled the draw for the U-20 World Cup that was to be held on the Indonesian island of Bali on March 31. after the controversy over the rejection expressed in the country against Israel, reported the Indonesian soccer federation.
The Indonesian federation reported in a statement that it has not received an official reason for the cancellation, but links the move to a letter from Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who called for Israel’s veto of the competition on the island.
The U-20 World Cup is scheduled to take place between May 20 and June 11 in various cities on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali.
On March 14, Koster sent a letter to the Indonesian government to request that the participation of the Israeli team be vetoed, alleging that “Israel’s policies towards Palestine are inconsistent with the policies of the Republic of Indonesia”, a defender of the Palestinian cause.
The Indonesian Football Association questioned the holding of the U-20 World Cup, which it should host from May 20. “The negative impact that our football could have is being calculated,” they said. The decision would be for the participation of Israel in the contest. pic.twitter.com/7mkE7YDDbV
— VarskySports (@VarskySports) March 26, 2023
The president of the Indonesian federation, Arya Sinulingga, indicated that he is coordinating a solution with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and that of Youth and Sports, while warning of the consequences of canceling the World Cup.
Thus, the federation warned that Indonesia might not be able to aspire to organize another FIFA World Cup and even some Indonesian soccer categories could be banned in some competitions.
In addition to the regional head of Bali, the governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, has also called for Israel’s veto, while on March 20 dozens of Muslims marched in Jakarta to protest against the participation of their team in the competition.
Argentina has applied as a possible venue for the U-20 World Cup in case it cannot be held in Indonesia, journalist Gastón Edul reported. The albiceleste team did not qualify for the World Cup in the South American, but could play the tournament if FIFA changes the venue to Argentina.
The U20 World Cup is based in Indonesia and must be played in May. For non-soccer (political) reasons, the draw was postponed.
In the event that it cannot be done in Indonesia, AFA has nominated Argentina as a possible venue.
FIFA has not yet changed the venue and for now it is…— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) March 26, 2023
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