FIFA yesterday cancelled the draw for the Under-20 FIFA World Cup that was slated to take place in Indonesia next week. The cancellation is due to the country’s refusal to host Israel’s team. FIFA’s decision is a preliminary measure that may be followed by other decisions. This might lead to the withdrawal of Indonesia’s right to host the tournament.
Official sources were quoted by the media as saying that the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) was in talks with FIFA over the “possibility of Singapore hosting Israel’s team matches due to Jakarta’s political stance.”
Qatar has been reported to be willing to host the tournament. However, this is if an agreement between FIFA and the PSSI was not reached.
The 24-team tournament is scheduled to be held from 20 May to 11 June across six Indonesian cities. Israel was set to make their debut in the competition.
cc: Independent Ng
