Indonesia removed as Under-20 World Cup host amid tension with Israel

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - MARCH 20: Hundred of protesters hold a protest near the State Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 20, 2023. The protesters demanded the Indonesian government reject Israeli soccer team participation in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup which will be hosted in Indonesia.
Anadolu Agency / Getty

FIFA announced on Wednesday it had removed Indonesia as hosts of this year's under-20 World Cup amid political turmoil over Israel's participation.

"A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged," FIFA said in a statement.

Friday's draw for the May 20-June 11 competition was scrapped by FIFA following protests over Israel's involvement in the 24-team event.

In its statement, FIFA said Indonesia would no longer host the tournament "due to the current circumstances" without specifying details.

Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations, and support for the Palestinian cause in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation runs high, fuelling local opposition to hosting the Israeli team.

Indonesian officials said Bali's governor calling for Israel to be thrown out of the cup because of its policies towards the Palestinians was likely behind the draw's cancellation.

Around a hundred conservative Muslim demonstrators also marched in the capital Jakarta this month to protest Israel's involvement.

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS