Home » News »
Indonesia has been stripped of the right to host this year’s men’s U-20 soccer World Cup.
The decision to stop the country staging the May 20-June 11 tournament was taken after the Indonesian football federation (PSSI) said it had cancelled the draw because the governor of the largely Hindu island of Bali had refused to host Israel’s team.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” the world governing body said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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.”
World soccer’s ruling body added the decision had been taken following a meeting between its president, Gianni Infantino, and PSSI chairman Erick Thohir.
“Indonesia is a FIFA member, so for any international soccer matters, we have to abide by the rules,” Thohir said in a statement on PSSI’s website.
“I ask all football lovers to keep their heads held high over this tough decision by FIFA.
“It’s time we proved to FIFA to work harder to transform soccer, towards clean and high-achieving soccer.”
The loss of hosting rights will be a big setback in Indonesia, where football has a massive following despite the lack of international success since qualifying for the 1938 World Cup as the Dutch East Indies.
When asked why FIFA had decided to remove Indonesia as hosts, deputy PSSI chief and former sports minister Zainudin Amali told KompasTV: “FIFA decided Indonesia didn’t follow through with its earlier commitments.”
Zainudin added he hopes to avoid sanctions but fears another FIFA ban.
“That we were removed from hosting rights is already tough for us,” he said.
Protesters marched in the capital Jakarta this month waving Indonesian and Palestinian flags and demanding Israel was not allowed to participate.
Indonesia’s population is predominantly Muslim. Most Indonesian Muslims practise a moderate version of Islam, but there has been a rise in religious conservatism in recent years that has crept into politics.
The PSSI said this week losing hosting rights would harm Indonesian football teams’ chances of taking part in other FIFA tournaments, while the economic losses would amount to “trillions of rupiah”.
FIFA said on Wednesday it was committed to aiding the PSSI following a deadly stampede last year that led to the deaths of 135 spectators at a stadium in East Java.
“A new meeting between the FIFA President and the PSSI President for further discussions will be scheduled shortly,” FIFA said in the statement.
As hosts, Indonesia automatically qualified for the U-20 World Cup, in which they have not featured since 1979.
Meanwhile, Indonesian soccer players and fans reacted with tears and outrage at FIFA’s decision.
“It’s a heartbreaking decision that ruined our dreams, and now we are confused about our future as players if FIFA imposes sanctions,” said Hokky Caraka, a striker in Indonesia’s U-20 national team, “It’s the players who suffer the most.”
Shin Tae-yong, a South Korean former professional footballer and manager who is coaching the Indonesia national football team, said Indonesia’s failure to host the U-20 World Cup is a big loss.
“I am hurt!” he said, “I can feel the sadness and mental breakdown of the players. They have prepared tirelessly alongside me in the last three and a half years.”
Indonesian president Joko Widodo was “sad and disappointed” but said FIFA’s decision must be respected.
“Don’t waste your energy blaming one another. As a big nation we have to look toward what’s in front, not behind,” he said on Thursday, adding he had instructed Thohir to work on avoiding FIFA sanctions “including the chance to host other international events.”
© 2023 Australian Professional Leagues Company Pty Ltd ACN 646 799 199. *Live odds displayed are subject to change.
Sign up today to unlock it and access more exclusive content:
In-game, A-Leagues Match Highlights
Access to local and global football news
Packed with opinions from our expert panel including Tom Smithies and more