FIFA has removed Indonesia as the host of the Under-20 World Cup following a meeting with Oxford United’s joint owner.
The draw for the tournament, due to be held in Bali, was cancelled last week.
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) reported that FIFA was forced to cancel the draw after Bali governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israel team at the tournament.
United majority shareholder Erick Thohir was elected chairman of the PSSI last month and held a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the Under-20 World Cup earlier today.
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A FIFA statement read: “Following today’s meeting between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and president of the Football Association of Indonesia, Erick Thohir, FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged.
“Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.
“FIFA would like to underline that despite this decision, it remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI, in close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Widodo, in the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022.
“Members of the FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir.
“A new meeting between the FIFA president and the PSSI president for further discussions will be scheduled shortly.”
Thohir told the PSSI website: “I have tried my best. After delivering a letter from President Jokowi, and talking at length with the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, we must accept FIFA’s decision to cancel the holding of the event that we are both looking forward to.
“Indonesia is a member of FIFA, so for international football matters, we must follow the rules that have been set.
“We must be strong. I ask all football lovers to keep their heads held high over this tough decision by FIFA.”
Thohir and fellow Indonesian investor Anindya Bakrie took a controlling 51 per cent stake in the U’s back in September.
The Under-20 World Cup is due to take place between May 20 and June 11.
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