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Indonesia’s U-20 World Cup hosting in jeopardy as draw postponed
The draw for the Under-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Indonesia from May 20-June 11, has been postponed amid protests over Israel’s participation.
PSSI chief to hold talks with FIFA officials
Erick Thohir, the head of the Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), plans to hold talks with FIFA officials to discuss the situation. PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga confirmed that flight arrangements are currently being made and that the talks will take place in Zurich.
Politics and sport to be separated: PSSI hopes for resolution
Arya expressed hope that, through coordinating with the government, a solution can be reached whereby politics can be separated from sport. Muhadjir Effendy, Indonesia’s coordinating minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, stated: “at least FIFA will understand Indonesia’s position” with regards to hosting Israel’s team.
Protests against Israel’s participation
The governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, secured the cancellation of the draw after calling for the Israeli team to be banned due to the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Indonesia has a predominantly Muslim population and formal diplomatic relations with Israel do not exist. Recent marches in Jakarta have also called for Israel to be barred from the tournament.
Fears of another suspension for Indonesia
The cancellation of the draw has raised concerns that Indonesia may lose its hosting rights for the tournament and be suspended from FIFA again. The country was previously suspended for a year until May 2016 due to government interference.
Indonesia’s sporting reputation at stake
Indonesia is also trying to rebuild its reputation in sport following a tragedy at a stadium in 2018 which led to the deaths of 135 spectators. Increased religious conservatism in Indonesia has also led to concerns that politics is increasingly interfering with sport.
Hope for resolution
PSSI is hoping for a solution to be reached and for politics to be kept separate from sport ahead of the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. Talks between PSSI and FIFA officials in Zurich are expected to be held in the coming days.
Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Ed Davies and Peter Rutherford
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