Breaking News! Indonesia's Opportunity To Host The 2023 U-20 World Cup Is Small

PSSI Executive Committee Member Arya Sinulingga. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member Arya Sinulingga gave a signal that Indonesia's opportunity to maintain its status as host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup was shrinking.

Indonesia's hopes are getting dimmer after PSSI General Chair and Chairman of the Local Committee (LOC) Erick Thohir met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

"Our opportunity to become the host is tough. Indonesia's condition is heavy, the final decision is in FIFA's hands. We are considered incapable by FIFA," said Arya Sinulingga in a statement received.

Indonesia is in danger of being dropped from its host status after widespread rejection of the Israeli national team. The refusal made FIFA continue to highlight the security conditions for the U-20 World Cup.

The parent of international football is said to still insist on their stance on Israel. They adhere to the principles of equality, fairplay, and anti-discrimination.

Arya said FIFA considers Indonesia to have failed to follow the principles above after the emergence of a letter of rejection of Israel's presence by the Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster. The letter then made FIFA cancel the group phase drawing.

"It seems difficult to change FIFA's attitude. They stick to their stance. They have the principle of equality, fairplay, there is no discrimination that cannot be contested," said Arya.

If you cancel being the host, a number of severe sanctions from FIFA are ready to be accepted by Indonesia. This is also likely to have an impact on Indonesia's credibility when it proposes to host other international sporting events.

"What I'm worried about is that we (PSSI) will be frozen. We are ostracized from the world. This is clearly very detrimental to Indonesian football in the future," said Arya.