Ex-PSSI Member Laments Political Intervention in Rejection Against Israel in U-20 World Cup

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A former member of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) executive committee (exco) Subardi believes that the stance against the Israeli national U-20 football team shown by Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo and Bali Governor I Wayan Koster as blatant discrimination and intervention from those in power. He lamented that the stand shown by the two leaders had fatal implications.

Subardi argues that the politically-saturated stand goes against the FIFA regulation that PSSI had ratified in maintaining independence, neutrality, and preventing any form of political intervention. Discriminatory behaviors are also banned and sanctioned by the world football regulatory body.

“We should refer to football regulations if we’re talking about the sport. Don’t mix it with politics. Rejecting Israel is classified by FIFA as discrimination as Israel is also a member of FIFA which should be treated equally,” said Subardi in his written statement on March 30.

He said FIFA's decision to exclude Indonesia from hosting the U-20 World Cup was not only detrimental to Indonesian football but also tarnishes Indonesia's international image. He asserted that PSSI must be prepared in facing possible FIFA sanctions.

"We are ashamed in the eyes of the world. We must also prepare to accept sanctions from FIFA. This is very embarrassing," said the former PSS Sleman football team manager.

He further said that the humanitarian pretext behind the rejection of the Israeli team opens up chances for discrimination as he asserts that all races, ethnicities, and religions, have the same opportunity to play football. 

According to Subardi, the principles of independence and equality contained in the FIFA Statutes differ from politics and should not be clashed.

FIFA Strips Indonesia’s Status as U-20 World Cup Host

FIFA has officially revoked Indonesia’s status as host of the U-20 World Cup 2023 after a meeting between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chairperson Erick Thohir in Doha on March 29. 

An official FIFA statement was published on its website that reads: “Following today’s meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir, FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023.”

A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the tournament dates currently remaining unchanged, the statement reads. 

In response to this ruling, Thohir maintained that he had tried his best to negotiate Indonesia’s status in hosting the competition. Still, as a member country, the organization will have to adhere to the authority and decisions made by FIFA. 

IMA DINI SHAFIRA | M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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