JAKARTA President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed his disappointment after FIFA dropped Indonesia to host the U-2023 World Cup. He admitted that he received news on Wednesday, March 29, evening.
Through an official statement on Thursday, March 30, 2023, Jokowi admitted that he received news from PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir.
"Of course we have to respect the decision. I know this decision has disappointed many people. I feel the same way, disappointed and sad," he added.
FIFA crossed out Indonesia as the host after first canceling the group stage draw which was supposed to take place on March 31 in Bali.
This deletion is thought to be due to a wave of rejections against the Israeli national team which has become increasingly massive lately. However, in an official statement, FIFA argued that the decision was taken "due to the current situation".
Jokowi hopes that people should not blame each other for the reasons for the FIFA behind the deletion. He said Indonesia could take important lessons from here.
"Don't waste energy blaming each other," said Jokowi.
"As a great nation, we must look forward. Don't look back. Make this a valuable lesson for all of us for Indonesian football," he added.
After removing Indonesia, FIFA ensured that the 2023 U-20 World Cup would continue according to schedule, from May 20 to June 11, 2023.
However, the new host who will replace Indonesia has not yet been announced. So far Argentina is among the favorites appointed by FIFA to be the organizer of the biennial age group.
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