LAUSANNE: FIFA announced on Wednesday that it had removed Indonesia as the host of this year’s under-20 World Cup amid political unrest over Israel’s participation.
“A new host will be announced soon, with the tournament dates currently remaining unchanged,” FIFA said in a statement.
FIFA scrapped Friday’s draw for the May 20-June 11 competition following protests over the involvement of Israel in the 24-team event.
FIFA says Indonesia will not host Under-20 World Cup
FIFA said in its statement that Indonesia would no longer host the Under-20 World Cup “due to the current circumstances” without revealing details.
Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic ties. Support for the Palestinian cause in Indonesia, 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 cup because of its policies towards the Palestinians was likely behind the draw’s cancellation.
Around a hundred conservative Muslim demonstrators also marched in Jakarta this month to protest Israel’s involvement.
