President Jokowi Encourages U-20 National Team Players After Indonesia Fails To Hold A World Cup

Indonesian President Joko Widodo took a photo with the coaches and players of the U-20 Indonesian national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), Jakarta. (Photo via ANTARA/Indra Arief Pribadi)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met the U-20 Indonesian national team players at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), Jakarta, Saturday, April 1 afternoon WIB.

President Jokowi seemed to motivate the players after Indonesia failed to hold the 2023 U-20 World Cup. He was accompanied by the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, and his staff.

Jokowi came wearing a red and white sports jacket. The number one person arrived at the GBK Stadium area at around 15.30 WIB.

Apart from Erick Thohir, the Deputy General Chairperson of PSSI Zainudin Amali, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong were seen.

President Jokowi then entered the GBK Stadium soccer field arena. Before stepping on the grass, Jokowi had a chance to talk with the Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae Yong.

The Head of State then greeted one by one the U-20 national team players and then gave directions while surrounded by players.

Previously, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir, said the U-20 Indonesian national team would meet President Jokowi after Indonesia canceled hosting the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

With Indonesia's cancellation of being the host, the Garuda Team also cannot participate in the U-20 World Cup this year.

"It was said earlier that the President would also invite the U-20 national team in one or two days. Of course, the mechanism from the Palace will do that," said Erick at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Friday, March 31.

Previously, the International Football Federation, FIFA, decided to exclude Indonesia from hosting the 2023 U-20 World Cup on Wednesday, March 29 evening.

FIFA called the "date condition" in Indonesia the reason for the deletion decision, which was taken after the meeting of FIFA President Gianni Infantino with PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir.

Before FIFA made the decision, in the country there was a wave of rejection from several regional heads against the arrival of the Israeli national team to compete in the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

The revocation of the host status practically made Indonesia not entitled to appear in the 2023 U-20 World Cup because it failed to get tickets via the regular qualifying path after being unable to reach the top four of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.