FIFA Officially Cancels U-20 2023 World Cup Draw, PSSI: Difficult To Separate Politics From Sports

PSSI Executive Committee Member, Arya Sinulingga. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The International Football Federation (FIFA) has officially canceled the drawing agenda for the 2023 U-20 World Cup. This agenda was supposed to be held in Bali on March 31.

PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member Arya Sinulingga said FIFA's decision was related to Bali Governor I Wayan Koster's rejection of the Israeli team's participation.

Arya explained that drawing would not be possible without the participation of all participants.

"Indeed, we haven't received an official letter yet, but the message is clear because of the refusal from the Governor of Bali who rejected the Israeli team so that the drawing could not be held without all the participants," said Arya in a press conference, Sunday, March 26.

He said, PSSI is currently thinking about how to prevent Indonesia from being isolated from the world in an international football ecosystem.

"We know it is very difficult to separate politics from sports," said Arya.

PSSI, continued Arya, has already communicated with the Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster. However, the Provincial Government of Bali remains in a position to refuse. Arya said PSSI respected the decision.

He also admitted to being surprised, why the rejection had just come recently. In fact, the Israeli team has made sure to qualify since last year.

"Why is it only now, we are also confused why it is only now. The rejection is only now, before there was not much talk about this. However, we have to face the existing problems," he explained.