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Indonesia’s sports hosting prospects at risk over U-20 bust
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A man walks past a poster for the Indonesia 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup soccer tournament in Jakarta on March 30, 2023. FIFA announced on March 29 it had removed Indonesia as host of this year's under-20 World Cup amid political turmoil over Israel's participation.
(AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
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IFA’s decision to drop Indonesia as host of the Under-20 soccer World Cup has sown fears that the nation may become a new pariah in international sports, as the fallout from attempts to prevent Israel from competing in the country could jeopardize its intention to host other global events.
Despite a last-ditch lobbying attempt by Erick Thohir, the chief of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), FIFA removed Indonesia late on Wednesday as host of the youth tournament, only weeks before it was due to begin.
The loss came after two influential governors advocated banning Israel from the competition, marking an abrupt end to Indonesia’s ambition to host another world-class sporting event, which the government had identified as a prime opportunity to expand the nation’s global appeal.
And with world soccer’s governing body putting potential sanctions against the PSSI on the table, “to be decided at a later stage”, the government is now seeking to limit the damage to their other sporting ambitions.
Avoiding sanctions
In a video statement issued a day after FIFA’s decision, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said he had instructed the PSSI chief to continue lobbying the federation in the hope of avoiding sanctions, including being barred from hosting other international sporting events.
As part of the President’s long-term plans, Indonesia submitted in November last year a formal bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Jokowi also previously expressed his dream for Indonesia to eventually host the World Cup.
