Erick Thohir's Maximum Efforts And President Jokowi's Letter Failed To Melt FIFA's Heart

Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The International Football Federation (FIFA) officially revoked Indonesia's status as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup. The efforts of the PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir, to convince FIFA did not produce sweet results.

Erick Thohir stated that he had struggled as much as possible when he met FIFA President, Gianni Infantino in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, March 29. However, FIFA's decision was unanimous and Indonesia had to accept gracefully.

"I have struggled my best. After submitting a letter from President Jokowi, and talking long with the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, we must accept the FIFA decision to cancel the event that we are both looking forward to," said Erick Thohir in an official statement. written.

"Indonesia is a member of FIFA, so for international football matters, we must follow the rules that have been set."

"Even though I have conveyed everything to Gianni, what the President, football lovers, U-20 national team children have entrusted, and also loyal football supporters, but because we are members and FIFA assess the current situation cannot be continued, we must submit," continued Erick.

The man who is also the Minister of SOEs asked lovers and national football players to be strong. He asked all parties to remain on their heads with this tough FIFA decision.

"I am of the opinion, therefore, this is the time for us to prove to FIFA to work harder to transform football, towards clean football and achieve," he concluded.

FIFA dropped Indonesia to host due to a massive rejection of the Israeli national team. The parent international football had previously canceled the group stage draw later this month in Bali.