FIFA has announced that it has removed Indonesia as hosts of this year’s under-20 World Cup amid political turmoil over Israel’s participation.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged,” FIFA said in a statement.
Friday’s draw for the May 20-June 11 competition was scrapped by FIFA following protests over Israel’s involvement in the 24-team event.
In its statement, FIFA said Indonesia would no longer host the tournament “due to the current circumstances” without specifying details.
Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations, and support for the Palestinian cause in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation runs high, fuelling local opposition to hosting the Israeli team.
Indonesian officials said Bali’s governor calling for Israel to be thrown out of the cup because of its policies towards the Palestinians was likely behind the draw’s cancellation.
Around a hundred conservative Muslim demonstrators also marched in the capital Jakarta this month to protest Israel’s involvement.
Ronaldo Pays Girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez £80k-A-Month ‘Salary’ Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo pays his partner Georgina Rodriguez...
Nollywood actress, Chacha Eke, appears to have reunited with her husband, Austin Faani Ikechukwu, months after she announced they...
Georgina Onuoha has joined the list of celebrities who have dragged lawmaker, Desmond Elliot online for speaking against the...