Regret FIFA's Decision, PSI: Indonesia Don't Give Up Immediately

PSI Chairman Giring Ganesha. (Instagram @giring)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) regrets FIFA's decision to cancel Indonesia's appointment as the host of the U-20 World Cup.

"PSI regrets FIFA's decision. It is true that there is a group of parties who reject the presence of the Israeli national team. But their voices are not the official voice of Indonesia. In democracy, there are very common pros and cons. FIFA should have adhered to the official attitude of Indonesia that was conveyed by President Joko Widodo before," said PSI DPP General Chair Giring Ganesha, in a written statement, Thursday, March 30, 2023.

PSI also asked the government, through PSSI, to continue lobbying FIFA to be willing to change the decision.

"Don't give up immediately. Any efforts must be made so that the decision can be disallowed. Don't let tens of millions of football fans and young people in the U-20 national team's dreams be buried," continued Giring.

PSI reiterated that political elites should not mix sports with politics.

"We really hope that political leaders will be more mature and wise in separating politics and sports. Let's prioritize the interests of the nation over short-term political interests," said Giring.

FIFA has finally officially removed Indonesia as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup. The decision was confirmed after the meeting of PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir and FIFA in Qatar.

FIFA then announced the decision on its official website, Wednesday, March 29, 2023 evening WIB.