Ganjar Pranowo Calls Wayan Koster Bahas World Beach Games In Bali, Will It Have The Same Fate As The U-20 World Cup?

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo. (Photo: Screenshot of Najwa Shihab's YouTube account)

JAKARTA The international event ANOC World Beach Games 2023 in Bali could be threatened with cancellation. This is related to the participation of the Israeli team in the event.

The image of ANOC Beach Games 2023 will have the same fate as the U-20 World Cup.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo admitted that he had called Bali Governor I Wayan Koster to discuss the participation of the Israeli contingent in the event. These two figures were previously the most diligent in refusing Israel to appear in the U-20 World Cup.

Their refusal to make FIFA then revoke Indonesia's status as host. Therefore, it is very likely that Israel's presence at World Beach could again be rejected.

Ganjar in an interview with journalist Najwa Shihab said he had called Wayan Koster and asked about Israel's participation in the international event.

"Israel is coming along, you know. Please say (from) now so that then we have ways that can be done better. Do not invite responses that will harm our national interests. Later there will be noise. It will be crowded later," said Ganjar.

The second edition of the ANOC World Beach Games will be held in Bali on August 5-12. At the event, the Israeli contingent was confirmed to be one of the participants in several events such as 3x3 basketball and swimming.

Israel's presence made the event threatened to be canceled if Wayan Koster was consistent with his attitude regarding Israel. He previously together with Ganjar also rejected Israel playing in their government territory so FIFA revoked Indonesia's host status.