Israel Qualifies For U-20 World Cup Finals, PSSI: We Accommodate, That's Our Final Decision With The Government

PSSI Secretary General, Yunus Nusi, regarding Israel's participation in the U-20 World Cup. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) will still accommodate the arrival of Israel as a participant in the 2023 U-20 World Cup. This is by the agreement previously made by the government.

PSSI Secretary-General, Yunus Nusi, said every country has the right to appear in the U-20 World Cup if it is confirmed that they have qualified. He also said that his party had made a unanimous decision.

"About Israel, I think there was a government agreement signed last year. Anyone who passes can come", said Yunus Nusi, reported by the official PSSI website.

"Israel remains our accommodation. That was our last decision at a meeting with the government last year regarding Israel", he continued.

Israel made sure to qualify for the U-20 World Cup finals despite losing 0-1 in the final match of Group B of the 2022 U-19 European Cup at Mestsky Stadium, Ziar Nad Hronom, Slovakia, last Saturday.

They qualified as runners-up with four points. While England won the group with perfect points, namely nine.

Previously, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali, stated that there was a guarantee for Israel to be able to appear in the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. He also emphasized that sports should not be mixed with political matters.

"FIFA has told us that any country that passes must be able to compete in Indonesia. So, there is no problem. Surely our security forces will provide a sense of security. This is something that needs attention", said the Minister of Youth and Sports, recently.

The U-20 World Cup in Indonesia will be held from May 20-June 11 2023. There are six stadiums designated as the venue for the U-20 World Cup matches. Besides Manahan Solo, there are also Jakabaring Palembang, Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Si Starling Harupat Bandung, Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, and Captain I Wayan Dipta in Bali.