By Akinwale Kasali
With less than two months to the commencement of the Under-20 World Cup scheduled for Indonesia, World Soccer Governing Body, Federation International of Football Association, FIFA, have stripped the Asian Country the right to host the world championship.
FIFA announced on Wednesday it has removed Indonesia as the host of the 2023 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.
The draw for the competition slated for Friday has been called off.
The tournament is meant to start frim May 20-June 11 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.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the Under-20 World showpiece having won bronze medal at the Under-20 African Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt weeks back.
Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia and Tunisia would hoist the continent’s flag at the Youth showpiece.
FIFA would however name a replacement soonest.
