Stephen Dunmoye
Following the refusal of the Hindu Island of Bali governor to host Israel’s team, the world football governing body, FIFA, has denied Indonesia the right to host 2023 U-20 World Cup.
FIFA made the announcement in a statement released on their website on Wednesday.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will feature at this year’s World Cup after picking one of the four tickets at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt.
Other African countries that will feature at the tournament are Senegal, Tunisia and Gambia.
The decision to remove Indonesia as the host is not unconnected to the country’s football federation (PSSI) announcing it had cancelled the draw for the U-20 World Cup.
The statement from FIFA reads:“Following today’s meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir, FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023.
“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.
“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.”
The 2023 U-20 World Cup is scheduled to hold from 20 May to 11 June.
