CNN Indonesia
Saturday, 01 Apr 2023 09:20 WIB
A number of Palestinian media have unitedly highlighted Indonesia’s cancellation of being the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup by FIFA. (AFP/MAHMUD HAMS)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
A number of mediums Palestine compactly highlighting Indonesia being canceled from hosting the 2023 U-20 World Cup by FIFA.
FIFA officially canceled the status of RI’s U-20 host on the grounds of “the current situation” without going into further details. Allegedly the revocation was none other than because Indonesia was deemed unable to provide security to Israel as a participant.
Israel’s participation in the event was met with opposition from various parties. Starting from regional heads, politicians, political parties, to community organizations.
Their refusal refers to various reasons which mainly stem from the Israeli occupation of Palestine and Indonesia’s commitment to supporting the independence of every nation as stipulated by the constitution.
Media Maan News wrote an article with the title “FIFA cancels Indonesia’s hosting of the World Cup because it refuses Israel’s participation,” on Thursday (30/3).
In this news, Maan News reported that Indonesia might get sanctions from FIFA. However, so far there has been no recent statement regarding the sanctions in question.
“The possibility of sanctions against the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) can also be decided at a later stage,” said the media report.
Not only that, they also highlighted FIFA which until now has not appointed a replacement for RI to host.
Another Palestinian media, Wattan, also reported something similar the day before, Wednesday (29/3). In their report, they wrote the title “Due to the fuss over the occupation, Indonesia’s right to host the U-20 World Cup was revoked.”
Wattan reported that the decision came after Bali Governor Wayan Koster rejected Israel’s participation in the U-20 World Cup.
“[Keputusan itu] taken after FIFA canceled the group draw after the Governor of Bali refused the presence of the colonial team,” said Wattan’s report.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported the statement of the Palestinian Youth and Sports Council which was also disappointed that FIFA had crossed out Indonesia’s host status.
“Although we believe that sport and politics should be separated, it is difficult to turn a blind eye to national demands because it would sidestep democracy,” the Palestinian Youth and Sports Council said in a statement.
“The Palestinian people have faced death and destruction at the hands of the occupier of Israel’s most amplified extremist, racist, and right-wing government in modern history.”
Wafa also quoted the Council’s statement which assessed that there was a double standard by the world in responding to the same case by different actors.
“While dropping Russia from international competition for its invasion of Ukraine, the IOC and FIFA refrain from taking action against Israel for its illegal occupation of Palestine, its continuous violations of human rights, racism, segregation, and the systematic destruction of Palestinian infrastructure,” the Council said. Palestinian sport.
“On the contrary, FIFA decided to punish the party that stood with the victim instead of punishing the perpetrator.”
Meanwhile, another Palestinian media, Raya, highlighted the political issues that took place before FIFA made a decision.
“After political issues over his objections [sejumlah pihak] against the participation of the Israeli national team,” the first paragraph of Raya reads.
Raya also quoted comments from the former Egyptian national team and football observer, Mohamed Aboutrika. According to him, Indonesia has an honorable and strong position to be the host.
“If you [FIFA] no shame, do whatever you want. The Zionist occupation is a world epidemic that must be boycotted,” said Aboutrika.
However, he admits that he is not surprised, because according to him FIFA still enforces double standards, “And double standards still apply in FIFA. Not surprising.”
As for FIFA’s decision to revoke Indonesia’s status as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup, the U-20 Indonesian National Team is certain to fail to appear.
Then FIFA will announce the new host in the near future and the time for the 2023 U-20 World Cup will not change, it will remain from May 20 to June 11.
(nfl/end)
