The announcement was made on FIFA’s website, which also postponed the U-17 World Cup which is to be hosted by Peru.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to cancel the 2021 editions of the men’s FIFA U-20 World Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup, and to appoint Indonesia and Peru respectively, who were due to host the tournaments in 2021, as the hosts of the 2023 editions,” FIFA said in a statement.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges for the hosting of international sporting events and to have a restrictive effect on international travel.”

FIFA said it had regularly consulted the relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally scheduled to take place in 2021.

“In doing so, it became clear that the global situation has failed to normalize to a sufficient level to address the challenges associated with hosting both tournaments, including the feasibility of the relevant qualification pathways,” FIFA added.

FIFA also said it would like “to express its gratitude to the host member associations, as well as the authorities in Indonesia and Peru, for their commitment and the tournament preparations made so far.”

“FIFA looks forward to continuing to work closely together with the host countries to organize successful tournaments,” affirmed the world’s soccer governing body.

Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Mochamad Iriawan appreciated and honored FIFA’s decision, considering that the safety of all parties involved in the U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2021 was of paramount priority.

“Actually, all preparations related to the U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2021 have been done maximally and very well,” Iriawan said in a statement posted on the PSSI’s website on Thursday evening.

“The PSSI respects and supports FIFA’s decision to cancel the U-20 World Cup in 2021.”

Iriawan added that together with FIFA, the Indonesian FIFA U-20 World Cup Organizing Committee (INAFOC), and host cities all over Indonesia, the PSSI expects to work together with all stakeholders to organize the next edition in 2023.

The retired police three-star general also hoped the Indonesian squad could use the time to continue its preparation program ahead of the 2023 event.

“I hope the preparation can be complete and [the national squad] becomes the champion,” he said.

PSSI vice chairman Iwan Budianto said FIFA would continue coordinating with the PSSI and the local organizing committee so the 2023 event could go smoothly.

“As per the decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council, the PSSI will report the matter to Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Zainuddin Amali while waiting for the official letter from FIFA,” Iwan said in the PSSI’s statement.

Iwan, who is also INFAFOC vice chairman, said the PSSI appreciated and was thankful of the government’s support in organizing the U-20 World Cup.

Earlier on Thursday morning, the PSSI said on its website that the U-19 national squad, dubbed the Garuda Nusantara, is scheduled to leave for Spain for a training camp on Saturday.

Coach Shin Tae-yong has picked 30 players for the training camp, including three players who are playing for foreign clubs.

The Indonesian players are also scheduled to play Spanish teams until Jan. 31 in addition to their training sessions. (nvn)