JAKARTA PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir is arranging the agenda of meeting directly with FIFA to save Indonesia's share of hosting the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
Indonesia's status as the host of the age group event is currently threatened after a wave of rejection of the Israeli team. The refusal made FIFA cancel the group stage draw agenda.
The cancellation of the agenda opens up the possibility that Indonesia could be crossed out as the host. For this reason, Erick plans to meet FIFA directly after receiving a mandate from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
"I have received instructions from the President to immediately leave and diplomacy to find a solution for Indonesian football," Erick told reporters at Patriot Stadium, Bekasi, Tuesday night.
"This is not an easy thing and of course I will try my best. Please pray to all of us who are assigned to get the best results," added the Minister of SOEs.
Erick and his entourage plan to go to Doha, Qatar, to meet FIFA. He will depart from Jakarta at 01.00 Wednesday morning.
The former Inter Milan president is scheduled to arrive at 06.00 local time. They then diplomacy with FIFA in the afternoon.
"This is a FIFA event. So of course we have to hear the views of FIFA first and what the consequences will be there, then we can start discussing how to find the best solution. We'll see. The planned lunch meeting there," said Erick.
Previously, a number of rumors emerged and said that FIFA had actually stuck to Indonesia as the host. However, the news was also denied by Erick.
"If there is, we certainly cannot cover it up. There must be openness and professionalism. We from PSSI are very open. We hear a lot from clubs and supporters," he said.
Peru is so far said to be one of the candidates who can replace Indonesia in hosting the U-20 World Cup. In addition, Argentina and Qatar are also interested in replacing Indonesia.
The 2023 U-20 World Cup will take place from 20 May to 11 June in six cities in Indonesia. A total of 24 contestant countries have confirmed themselves to qualify.
That includes Indonesia which automatically gets tickets because of its host status. However, if Indonesia fails to host, the ticket quota will definitely be lost.
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