Shin Tae-yong Said About The Polemic Of Canceling The 2023 U-20 World Cup: Sports Is Sports

The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong (white clothes). (Photo: Ulfa Gusti Utami/VOI)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, opened his voice about the polemic over the cancellation of Indonesia as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup. He answered briefly and firmly.

"Sports are Sports," Shin said during a press conference after the national team vs Burundi match at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi on Tuesday, March 28 evening, western Indonesia time.

Indonesia's fate as the host of the U-20 World Cup is on the brink. This situation arose because of a wave of protests against the arrival of the U-20 national team as one of the participating countries.

Previously, the Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, rejected the arrival of Israel to his territory. So it is alleged that this is one of the reasons FIFA postponed the drawing that should have been held on March 31 in Bali.

Individually, Shin Tae-yong hopes that the U-20 World Cup can still roll out in Indonesia so that the U-20 National Team's struggle so far is not in vain. Because if the tournament is held in another country, the U-20 national team will certainly be dropped from participation considering its status as the host.

"Officially, there has been no (decision) as to what kind of U-20 World Cup. Previously there had been a very big concern from Pak Jokowi, and I would be very happy if the World Cup could still be held in Indonesia. Likewise with players and the community," said the coach.

The 52-year-old coach also did not cover up that this uncertain situation clearly had a major impact on the condition of Garuda Nusantara players. However, he was reluctant to comment further and only hoped that the efforts made by PSSI could bear fruit.

"Indeed, there are also many complaints from players on social media, but I can't say anything yet, because there has been no official decision. My situation is also waiting," said STY.

"I hope Mr. Erick can take care of this problem well. Jokowi's Pok must also pay attention. I hope there will still be good results for this U-20 World Cup," he hoped.