TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Deputy Chairperson Zainudin Amali spoke about the potential sanctions that FIFA would impose on Indonesia after being stripped of the right to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup. He made the statement during a press conference at Jakarta Sultan Hotel on Thursday, March 30.

“In 2015, we experienced that (received FIFA sanctions) and at that time, it was actually because FIFA considered the government to have intervened in the federation. Now, it is different and I personally am very worried about it,” he told reporters.

The former minister of youth and sports said that PSSI could possibly be banned by the world soccer’s governing body. If that happens, the Indonesian national team, both senior and age groups, cannot take part in any official tournaments.

Apart from that, the football competitions in League 1, League 2, and League 3 might also be affected. “[If] PSSI as a member of FIFA is sanctioned that its membership is banned, it will not be allowed to participate in any activities,” Amali explained.

“Yes, the league championships can also be affected. That's what we think. Not only will Indonesia be deprived of the hosting right, but we must think about saving Indonesian football, which according to a survey around 70 percent (of the public) likes football,” said Amali who is a Golkar Party politician.

On Wednesday, March 29, FIFA officially removed Indonesia as the host of the upcoming U-20 World Cup, which was scheduled to begin in May 2023. The decision came after FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with PSSI chairman Erick Thohir in Doha, Qatar.

RANDY FAUZI FEBRIANSYAH

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