FIFA has stripped Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, of its hosting rights for the men’s Under-20 World Cup due to political unrest surrounding Israel’s involvement in the tournament. The decision was announced on Wednesday, after a meeting in Doha between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Indonesian soccer federation president Erick Thohir.
Without specifying details, FIFA announced that Indonesia has been removed as the host country for the 24-team tournament scheduled to begin on May 20th, citing “current circumstances” as the reason for the decision.
Political Turmoil Regarding Israel’s Participation
Indonesia’s political turmoil over Israel’s participation in the tournament led to FIFA’s decision to strip Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup.
Israel’s qualification for the tournament and participation in the scheduled draw in Bali sparked controversy in Indonesia, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and supports the Palestinian cause. These factors created an unstable political environment that prompted FIFA to remove Indonesia as the host country for the tournament.
Uncertainty About the New Host
The identity of the new host for the Under-20 World Cup is currently unknown following FIFA’s decision to strip Indonesia of its hosting rights. The tournament was originally set to take place in six stadiums across Indonesia, but FIFA has stated that a new host will be selected soon, and the dates of the tournament will remain unchanged.
Media reports suggest that Argentina, which did not qualify for the tournament, has expressed interest in hosting the event.
Indonesia’s Possible Suspension and Removal from Asian Qualifying
The decision to strip Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup could have serious consequences for the country’s soccer federation. FIFA has warned that further disciplinary action could be taken against Indonesia, which could include a suspension from Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
This would be a major blow for Indonesian soccer, which has been working to develop its national team and qualify for major international tournaments. Before being selected to host the 2021 edition of the Under-20 World Cup, the Indonesian soccer federation had agreed to FIFA’s hosting requirements in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed for two years.
Israel’s Participation in the Under-20 World Cup
After reaching the semifinals of the Under-19 European Championship, Israel qualified for its first Under-20 World Cup. In the final, they lost to England. Israel is a member of UEFA and competes in European football after leaving the Asian Football Confederation in the 1970s due to political and security reasons.
The decision to strip Indonesia of hosting the Under-20 World Cup has been met with disappointment from soccer fans worldwide. The tournament was expected to showcase the talent of young players from around the globe and provide an opportunity for them to showcase their skills on the world stage.
The uncertainty about the new host and the possible disciplinary action against Indonesia has added further complexity to an already challenging situation. It remains to be seen how FIFA will proceed with the tournament and what impact this decision will have on future World Cup events.
