Jakarta –
The International Football Federation or FIFA canceled Indonesia’s status as host for the U-20 World Cup which was planned to be held from May to June 2023. Two governors who rejected the presence of the Israeli national team as participants in the U-20 World Cup reacted to FIFA’s decision.
FIFA’s decision was announced on its official website, Wednesday (29/3), during a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir. The new host will be announced soon. FIFA has confirmed that the U-20 World Cup schedule has not changed.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to cancel Indonesia from hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” said a statement on FIFA’s website.
“Potential sanctions against PSSI can also be decided at a later stage,” said a FIFA statement.
Regardless of this decision, FIFA remains committed to helping PSSI and working together with the support of President Joko Widodo’s government (Jokowi) in the process of transforming Indonesian football after the Kanjuruhan Tragedy that occurred in October 2022. Members of FIFA are said to continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months .
Ganjar Pranowo’s reaction
The Governor of Central Java (Central Java) Ganjar Pranowo was disappointed with FIFA’s decision to cancel Indonesia’s status as the host of the U-20 World Cup. Ganjar is still waiting for an official letter from FIFA to PSSI.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what will be the decision from FIFA and PSSI. Until last night we were able to monitor developments. I just read from the media and until this morning I asked that no letter had come from FIFA to PSSI or the government, definitely to PSSI. what does it sound like,” said Ganjar at the Gradhika Bakti Praja building, reported by detikJateng, Thursday (30/3).
“Yes, I’m disappointed that we have prepared from the start. There are only a few notes left that we can do. If I may say, at the outset, what communicated before I made a statement to all ministries, including PSSI, were co-host opportunities. So relations between countries, the constitution is upheld, sport goes on,” he explained.
Ganjar Pranowo also responded to the disappointment of the Indonesian national team players after the U-20 World Cup was canceled in Indonesia. Ganjar asked the national team players to stay enthusiastic.
“You have to keep your spirits up. This is not the end of the world. We have to practice and we have to seriously develop our football as a whole. We give them enthusiasm, we can prepare many events,” said the PDIP politician.
On the other hand, netizens attacked Ganjar Pranowo’s social media after FIFA decided that Indonesia would not be the host of the U-20 World Cup. Ganjar asked netizens not to attack his wife and children.
“Well, it’s okay,” said Ganjar when asked about the many comments from netizens, Ganjar didn’t mind it.
However, he emphasized that if you really want to attack on social media, then don’t target your wife and children. Even so according to Ganjar it is indeed a risk.
“That’s the risk of a decision. If I may, attack Ganjar, don’t attack my wife, don’t attack my child,” he said.
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