JAKARTA - Indonesian U-20 National Team players were unable to hold back tears after finding out that FIFA canceled Indonesia to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
FIFA officially dropped Indonesia to host on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 night after President Gianni Infantino met PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir. The reason for the deletion was due to the "current situation" without any further details.
"Following a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, FIFA has decided to cancel Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup due to the current situation," wrote FIFA on their official website.
The players of the U-20 national team learned about the news at the Sultan Hotel, Senayan, where they were staying. They were then gathered by assistant coach Shin Tae-yong and official staff.
The meeting was immortalized and shared by PSSI's national football parent through the federation's official YouTube website. Sad face was also seen on the faces of the young players of the Garuda squad, the coach from South Korea.
Several players seemed to immediately tear up the album of assistant coach Shin Tae Yong opening the conversation in the middle of a group regarding Indonesia's fate to host the U-2023 World Cup.
"Maybe I'm not a player, I'm just sorry for the opportunity you guys should have. The opportunity you should have but it's gone," Nova said in the conversation.
In the midst of Nova's conversation, the players seemed to be getting late in sadness and seemed to be trying to calm each other down. Not only players, Nova also seemed unable to hold back tears after speaking in front of the players.
The sad moment was felt because Shin Tae-yong's troops had made quite thorough preparations. Starting from a training camp in Europe to undergoing a series of test matches.
FIFA canceled Indonesia to host the U-20 World Cup after a wave of protests against the Israeli national team strengthened. The rejection mainly came from the Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster and the Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo.
Indonesia is likely to receive severe sanctions from FIFA due to this problem. The new host has not been announced by FIFA, but so far Argentina has become a favorite to replace Indonesia's status.
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