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Erick plans FIFA talks amid protests over Israel at U-20 World Cup
Erick Thohir, who is also a senior cabinet minister and a former chairman of Inter Milan, will fly to Zurich for the talks, PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga said.
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New chief of Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir gestures during a meeting with the federation’s executive committee members at the PSSI Headquarters in Jakarta on February 18, 2023 (Courtesy of PSSI/-)
T
he head of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) plans to hold talks with FIFA officials after the draw for the Under-20 World Cup due to take place in the country was postponed amid protests over Israel's participation.
Erick Thohir, who is also a senior cabinet minister and a former chairman of Inter Milan, will fly to Zurich for the talks, PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga said.
Arya told Reuters flight arrangements were still being made and did not say which FIFA officials he was expected to meet.
Indonesia is due to host the 24-team tournament from May 20-June 11. However, PSSI last Sunday said it had cancelled the draw scheduled to take place on Friday after Bali Governor Wayan Koster refused to host Israel's team.
Koster had urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to "adopt a policy forbidding the Israeli team from competing in Bali" due to the conflict with the Palestinians, media reported, citing a letter sent by Koster.
Koster's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The governor told media on Monday he was following a "government stance".
Indonesia's population is predominately Muslim and most practice a moderate version of Islam, though a rise in religious conservatism has crept into politics in recent years.
