Joko Widodo expressed his disappointment with FIFA's decision
BERNAMA
Jokowi said the decision also disappointed all his people but wanted them to quickly forget it and not point fingers at anyone to blame. - File photo/ YouTube of the Presidential Secretariat
JAKARTA: President Joko Widodo expressed sadness over the decision of the International Football Federation (FIFA) to cancel the hosting of the 2023 Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia.
He said the decision also disappointed all his people but wanted them to quickly forget it and not point fingers at anyone to blame.
"We should respect and accept the decision," he said in a statement today.
The General Manager of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir was also urged to avoid his country being subject to disciplinary action and try to host another FIFA tournament.
FIFA on Wednesday withdrew the right to host the Under-20 World Cup from Indonesia after some of the country's politicians objected to the participation of the Israeli team.
Indonesia was chosen as the host of the 2023 edition of the competition in October 2019 while the Israeli team qualified for the tournament in July 2022.
The U-20 World Cup is scheduled to start from May 20 to June 11 involving 24 countries and taking place in six locations namely Bali, Bandung, Jakarta, Palembang, Solo and Surabaya.
-- BERNAMA
