Jakarta –
There is a rejection of the Israeli National Team in 2023 U-20 World Cup. Referee Fariq Hitaba, who is licensed by FIFA, gave his views.
Fariq is a FIFA-licensed Indonesian referee who usually officiates international matches in Southeast Asia and Asia.
According to him, Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup has no reason to refuse the arrival of the Israeli national team. This is because Israel is a member of FIFA and has the right to take part in all tournaments under the FIFA flag as long as it meets the requirements.
”So we have to understand and differentiate which is politics and which is sport. When it comes to politics, until whenever Indonesia, including myself, will definitely support Palestinian independence from Israel’s clutches. However, this is football. Obviously different,” said Fariq in his written statement.
Fariq added that if Indonesia refused Israel’s arrival, Indonesia could be criticized by FIFA and other countries for not carrying out the mandate. In fact, Indonesia could have been subject to suspension by FIFA.
”If frozen, the U-20 World Cup will not take place. Indonesia cannot participate in activities related to the FIFA calendar. This means there is no football because football is the property of FIFA. Football belongs to FIFA. Then, players, coaches, referees, officials, what do you want to eat if there is no football,”he added.
Fariq added that if Indonesia wants to reject athletes from Israel on colonial and humanitarian grounds, then Indonesia must also reject athletes from other countries who have been accused of colonialism.
“If Indonesia wants to comply with that group [yang menolak Israel], we should boycott all sporting events that are participated in, for example by countries that were colonizers. Because those countries are colonizers, nothing is holy from sins against humanity,” said Fariq.
Fariq also hopes that the government will continue to support the holding of the U-20 World Cup. This is because all the facilities and infrastructure have been prepared in advance and it’s just a matter of kick-off.
”So it’s a shame if in the end it doesn’t happen. FIFA will also see and assess, until whenever Indonesia will never again be chosen to host. ”
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(ran/mrp)
