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RI can still host FIFA U-17 World Cup, but hurdles are high
The recent freezing of FIFA Forward Fund as penalty for Indonesia’s botched hosting of the U-20 World Cup would not financially disrupt Indonesia’s capacity to host the U-17 match, but it would still be a challenging ordeal to overcome, analysts said.
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Erick Thohir speaks to journalists during a press conference in Jakarta on July 12, 2018. (AFP/Adek Berry)
T
he recent freezing of FIFA Forward Fund as penalty for Indonesia’s botched hosting of the U-20 World Cup would not financially disrupt Indonesia’s capacity to host the U-17 match, but would still be a challenging ordeal to overcome, analysts said.
The momentum might have been lost and the bidding prospect will prove to be especially arduous for Indonesia.
“It is still [technically] possible. But the momentum has been lost. Our target has always been the U-20 tournament, and psychologically, the public’s excitement was shattered,” sports expert Djoko Pekik Irianto told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
The Indonesian U-17 team, Djoko added, would also be far from ready to compete in such a high-level tournament, scheduled for November. Even if FIFA offers Indonesia for the position, it will most likely be a gesture to comfort the disappointed Indonesian public.
On Thursday, Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) president Erick Thohir said FIFA had frozen its Forward Fund for Indonesia, initially set to aid PSSI’s operationalization.
The decision, Erick explained, served as Indonesia’s penalty for not being able to fulfill its U-20 FIFA World Cup host obligations after several public figures rejected the attendance of the Israeli national team to Indonesia.
The sudden cancellation was met with widespread public disappointment and concerns FIFA would subject Indonesia to heavy sanctions, including banning the country from future tournaments.
