FIFA has canceled the draw for the Under-20 FIFA World Cup that was slated to take place in Indonesia next week, due to Jakarta’s refusal to host Israel’s team.
FIFA made the decision yesterday March 26 and it is a preliminary measure which may be followed by other decisions that would lead to the withdrawal of Indonesia’s right to host Indonesia the tournament.
Official sources were quoted by the media as saying that the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) was in talks with the FIFA over the “possibility of Singapore hosting Israel’s team matches due to Jakarta’s political stance.”
Qatar was reported to have been willing to host the tournament if an agreement between FIFA and the PSSI was not reached.
The 24-team tournament is scheduled to be held from 20 May to 11 June across six Indonesian cities and Israel were set to make their debut in the competition.
Read Also: Messi Breaks New Record, Hits 800th Career Goal
The FIFA U-20 World Cup is the biennial football world championship tournament for FIFA members’ men’s national teams with players under the age of 20.
The competition has been staged every two years since the inaugural tournament in 1977 when it was hosted by Tunisia.
