Image Credit: fifa.com
FIFA announced on Wednesday it had 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.
Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen knew victory would secure the title with five games to spare, but…
Aston Villa inflicted a blow to Arsenal's hopes of a first Premier League title for…
The incident happened in Gashua which is located 187 kilometers away from the state capital,…
"We unanimously condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel", European Council President Charles Michel wrote on…
Hamas ally Hezbollah has exchanged near-daily cross-border fire with Israel since the Palestinian militant group…
The new wage of N615,000 monthly was reached after consultations between the Nigeria Labour Congress…