FIFA pulls Under-20 World Cup from Indonesia after calls for Israel ban

FIFA has pulled Under-20 World Cup from Indonesia after calls for an Israel ban!

The football governing body, FIFA, stripped Indonesia of its right to host the Under-20 Men’s World Cup later this year after an Indonesian official objected to the participation of Israel.

As reported, the preparations for the games were thrown into disarray when a governor asked the Indonesian sports ministry to bar the Israeli team.

“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” football’s world governing body said in a statement, without providing further clarification.

“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged,” FIFA added.

The statement said sanctions against the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) were also possible.

A total of 24 teams were scheduled to play in the under-20 men’s tournament across six Indonesian cities from May 20 to June 11.

While Israel has qualified for the tournament for the first time.

Social media reacts to development!

Despite its distance from the center of events in the Islamic world, Indonesia interacted positively with the issues of the Muslim nation & refused to host the Israeli team. Thus, lost 2023 U-20 World Cup hosting rights.

Indonesia's decision deserves appreciation & respect. pic.twitter.com/WsKHS2zdko

— د.عـبدالله العـمـادي (@Abdulla_Alamadi) March 30, 2023

FIFA has stripped Indonesia of its right to host the U/20 World Cup after it refused to host the Israeli team.

Be like Indonesia!

— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) March 29, 2023

FIFA and it’s BS selective outrage and hypocrisy on full display: @FIFAWorldCuP strip Indonesia of its right to host the Under-20 Men’s World Cup this year after Indonesian official objects to the participation of Israel.

Yet FIFA banned Russia from 2022 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/awZ0OfqOa8

— AHMED | أحمد (@ASE) March 30, 2023