FIFA Removes Indonesia as U-20 World Cup Host

FIFA has officially removed Indonesia as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup, following a surge of resistance against the participation of the Israeli National Team, despite a last-ditch attempt to lobby the world soccer governing body by Erick Thohir, The Chairman of Indonesia Football Association, PSSI.

Indonesia was stripped of hosting rights for the U-20 World Cup on Wednesday, only eight weeks before the start of the tournament amid political turmoil regarding Israel's participation.

FIFA said Indonesia was removed from staging the 24-team tournament, scheduled to start on May 20, due to the current circumstances without specifying details.

The decision came after a meeting in Doha, Qatar, between Erick Thohir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Israel qualified in June for its first U-20 World Cup. But the country's participation in the official draw for tournament groups, scheduled to be held Friday in Bali provoked political opposition this month.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation and does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, while publicly supporting the Palestinian cause.