Indonesians take part in a rally to reject the participation of Israel's team in the Fifa U-20 World Cup, in Jakarta, on March 20. - AFP
JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network): Indonesia’s hosting duty for the 2023 U-20 World Cup is suddenly being called into question, after world soccer’s governing body Fifa moved to cancel the tournament’s group stage draw in Bali scheduled for March 31, amid growing opposition to the participation of Israel.
A number of regional heads and chapters from the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle have been vocal in their criticism in recent days, although analysts believe their statements are politically motivated.
With slightly less than two months left before the youth competition begins, all eyes are on the government to be able to decisively curb the swell of political protest against a global sports event that many prefer to keep apolitical.
