Gibran Berang Regional Head Rejects U20 World Cup: It's Already Out of Budget How come it's Protesting!

Mayor (Walkot) Solo Gibran Rakabuming Raka. (Between)

CENTRAL JAVA - Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, said that his party is fully committed to becoming one of the cities in Indonesia ready to hold the 2023 U20 World Cup matches.

The son of President Joko Widodo was actually furious with the regional head who turned around refusing to be the host even though he had previously signed a government guarantee in early 2022.

"Just one. If you are blamed, you should have protested beforehand. Why is it only now [after the Israel National Team has qualified for the U20 World Cup], it should have happened a long time ago", said Gibran, quoted from the Surakarta Berita YouTube channel, Tuesday, March 28.

Gibran emphasized that regional heads who objected to their region being the host stated their disagreement long ago not to approach the drawing agenda for the U20 World Cup which FIFA finally canceled.

The drawing agenda was canceled following the governor of Bali I Wayan Koster's rejection of the Israeli national team's participation.

"If you don't want to be the host, then you don't have to. How come the protest is just now", he said.

Gibran also felt sorry for the Chairman of PSSI and Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir who had prepared Indonesia to host the U20 World Cup.

Erick is known to have complied with the invitation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha, Qatar at the end of 2022. Erick's arrival with the Minister of Youth and Sports at that time, Zainudin Amali, was to discuss preparations for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia so that it would run smoothly.

In order to smooth Indonesia again to host the U20 World Cup after the issue of the rejection of the Israeli national team, Erick will leave for FIFA headquarters in Switzerland in the near future. Erick will relax issues and approach FIFA officials.

"(Mr. Erick) goes to Doha, Switzerland. Poor Mr. Ketum (PSSI). If I am committed to all the consequences. I have signed the commitment", he said.

"It's out of the budget, how come you just protested!" continued Gibran.

The whistle to mark the start of the 2023 U20 World Cup match was originally set to sound on May 20. The series of matches will then end on June 11.

Gibran also felt sorry for the General Chairperson of PSSI as well as Minister of BUMN Erick Thohir who had prepared Indonesia to host the U20 World Cup.

Erick is known to have fulfilled the invitation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha, Qatar at the end of 2022. Erick's arrival with the then Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali, was to discuss preparations for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia so that it would run smoothly.

In order to make it easier for Indonesia to host the U20 World Cup after the issue of the Israeli national team's rejection, Erick will head to FIFA's headquarters in Switzerland in the near future. Erick will defuse the issue and approach FIFA officials.

"(Pak Erick) to Doha, Switzerland. Poor chairman (PSSI). If I commit with all the consequences. I have signed the commitment", he said.

"The budget is out, why are you protesting!" Gibran continued.

The whistle for the start of the 2023 U20 World Cup was due to sound on May 20. The streak will then end on June 11.