Fifa announced on Wednesday it had removed Indonesia as hosts of this year’s U20 World Cup amid political turmoil over Israel’s participation.
Lausanne — Fifa announced on Wednesday it had removed Indonesia as hosts of this year’s Under-20 World Cup amid political turmoil over Israel’s participation.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged,” Fifa said in a statement.
Friday’s draw for the 20 May-11 June competition was scrapped by Fifa following protests over Israel’s involvement in the 24-team event.
Indonesia has been stripped of the right to host this year's men's Under-20 World Cup, FIFA said.
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In its statement, Fifa said Indonesia would no longer host the tournament “due to the current circumstances” without specifying details.
Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations, and support for the Palestinian cause in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation runs high, fuelling local opposition to hosting the Israeli team.
Indonesian officials said Bali’s governor calling for Israel to be thrown out of the tournament because of its policies towards the Palestinians was likely behind the draw’s cancellation.
Around a hundred conservative Muslim demonstrators also marched in the capital Jakarta this month to protest Israel’s involvement.
Indonesians took to streets to protest Israel’s participation in FIFA World Cup Under-20. pic.twitter.com/ZNjeRO2J3V
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AFP
