FIFA rejects Indonesia bid to host U-20 World Cup over resistance to Israeli participation
International football governing body FIFA has rejected Indonesia’s bid to host the men’s Under-20 World Cup due to the predominantly Muslim country’s attacks on Israel and support for the Palestinians .
Any nation hosting a FIFA tournament must host all FIFA affiliated teams. But in recent months, Indonesia has opposed allowing the Israel squad to enter the country for Under-20 games, according to ESPN.
Rallies sponsored by radical Muslims waving Palestinian flags have erupted in the country’s capital, Jakarta, demanding that the government remove the welcome mat for Israel’s World Cup squad. And threats of violence were made.
Any fans considering a trip to Bali should think again: its governor refuses to allow Israel’s soccer team to play. We will not go to Bali. https://t.co/ktkYlRiIOJ
— Avi Abraham Benlolo (@AviBenlolo) March 29, 2023
Consequently, FIFA revoked Indonesia’s permission to host the Under-20 tournament.
“FIFA has decided, due to current circumstances, to withdraw Indonesia as hosts of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” read a FIFA statement.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with tournament dates currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI could also be decided later.
Zainudin Amali, deputy head of Indonesia’s PSSI and former sports minister, admitted to KompasTV that FIFA called off the games because Indonesia failed to honor its agreements. “FIFA has decided that Indonesia failed to meet its previous commitments when applying,” Amali said.
While it’s good to see FIFA keep its promises and criticize Indonesia for its human rights abuses, it’s the same sports organization that endorsed the radical Muslim-ruled nation of Qatar to host the Cup. of the world.
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