FIFA pulls U20 World Cup from Indonesia two months before kick-off

FIFA pulls U20 World Cup from Indonesia two months before kick-off

Indonesia has been stripped of internet hosting the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup simply two months earlier than the youth soccer match is scheduled to kick off.

FIFA cited solely “the current circumstances” in asserting its determination on Wednesday to revoke Indonesia’s internet hosting rights for the match. FIFA didn’t deal with whether or not protests in Indonesia in opposition to Israel’s participation within the match performed a job within the determination.

The announcement got here after a gathering between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the chief of the Indonesian soccer affiliation (PSSI), Erick Thohir.

The 24-team match was scheduled to happen from May 20 to June 11.

FIFA on Wednesday mentioned a brand new host can be introduced as quickly as attainable and the match dates would stay unchanged.

There has been political resistance in Indonesia to internet hosting the Israeli staff that certified for the match. Indonesia is probably the most populous Muslim-majority nation and has no diplomatic relations with Israel.

FIFA leaders had beforehand remained dedicated to Indonesia as host regardless of questions and controversies.

Infantino had additionally pledged that Indonesia would stay host after a soccer stadium catastrophe within the nation in October left 135 individuals useless.

Infantino met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo after the catastrophe and created a FIFA workplace to assist the nation restructure its soccer governing affiliation.

Indonesia was initially scheduled to host the U20 World Cup in 2021, but it surely was delayed because of the corona pandemic. The nation was chosen as host over runner-up Peru.

Source: www.anews.com.tr