By Adedapo Adesanya
Indonesia has been stripped of the hosting rights of the 2023 Under-20 soccer World Cup, FIFA said on Wednesday in a statement.
The decision to stop Indonesia from the tournament scheduled to hold from May 20 to June 11 was taken after the country’s football federation said it had cancelled the draw because the governor of the largely Hindu island of Bali refused to host Israel’s team.
Protesters, who consisted of the country’s predominantly Muslim population, marched in the capital Jakarta this month, waving Indonesian and Palestinian flags and demanding that Israel was not allowed to participate in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” the statement said.
The statement seen by Business Post also said, “FIFA would like to underline that despite this decision, it remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI, in close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Widodo, in the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022.
“Members of the FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.
“The decision had been taken following a meeting between its President Gianni Infantino and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir.
“Indonesia is a FIFA member, so for any international soccer matters, we have to abide by the rules.”
A new meeting between the FIFA President and the PSSI President for further discussions will be scheduled shortly, it was further revealed.
Indonesia was looking to participate in the tournament for the first time in 44 years after automatically qualifying for the Under-20 World Cup. They have not played in the tournament since 1979.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere