Canceled Appearance At The U-20 World Cup, The Indonesian National Team Asked To Focus On The 2023 SEA Games

The Indonesian U-20 national team. (photo: Twitter/@PSSI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team almost certainly canceled their appearance at the 2023 U-20 World Cup. The reason is, the quota for appearing as the host is no longer valid.

The reason is, FIFA has revoked Indonesia's status as the 2023 U-20 World Cup. This decision cannot be separated from the "new situation" in the country.

This is believed to be related to the rejection of the Israeli team's participation which was echoed by several parties. Among them are Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Bali Governor I Wayan Koster.

Acting (Plt) Menpora, Muhadjir Effendy asked all parties, including players and coaches, not to get involved in disappointment. The reason is, there are other international events that must be undertaken.

"In the near future we will face the SEA Games moment and we must prepare the entire team, including our football team as well as possible, especially when it is very close and implemented in Cambodia, it is certainly very different if it is done in Indonesia," said Muhadjir.

"We must be much more prepared to face various kinds of competition in the SEA Games," he continued, as reported by Antara, Thursday, March 30.

He admitted that FIFA's decision was very disappointing. However, the Coordinator for Human Development and Culture asked all parties to accept FIFA's decision.

"We must be very disappointed with FIFA's decision, that must be it. I think from FIFA is very aware, it was his decision to disappoint many people," said Muhadjir.

"This is the full authority of FIFA and FIFA must have chosen the best decision for us," he continued.