(CNN) — FIFA has stripped Indonesia of its right to host the Under-20 World Cup, to be held later this year, after an Indonesian official objected to Israel’s participation.
This came in a statement by FIFA, in which it said: “The International Federation of Football Associations has decided, due to the current circumstances, to exclude Indonesia from hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” without providing further clarifications, noting that “a new host will be announced as soon as possible, with The tournament dates remain unchanged.
Arya Sinulenga, a member of the Executive Committee of the Indonesian Football Association, told CNN Thursday that FIFA’s decision was due to the refusal of an Indonesian regional leader to host the matches if Israel participated, adding that Wayan Koster, the governor of the island of Bali, sent a letter to the Indonesian Ministry of Sports requesting that Israel be banned. of competition in the territory.
And she continued, “The governor of Bali also mentioned in the letter that the Bali provincial government refused (to allow) the Israeli team to compete in Bali.”
CNN has reached out to the governor of Bali for comment but has not received a response.
