Argentina Takes over Indonesia's Role as Host of FIFA U20 World Cup
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18 April 2023 06:23 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - FIFA on Tuesday officially named Argentina as host of the Under-20 World Cups replacing Indonesia. The tournament will kick of May 20 and end on June 11, with the official drawing taking place in Zurich on April 21.
"FIFA is delighted to announce that this year's edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to the tomorrow’s superstars of world football," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an official statement.
Following its decision to strip Indonesia's right to stage the tournament, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) bid to host it. As host, Argentina automatically earns the right to compete in the U20 tournament, taking Indonesia's spot.
"I would like to thank the AFA and particularly its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the Governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice," Infantinp said.
Argentina is the most successful country in the history of FIFA U20, winning the title six times—the last one in 2007. Argentina also hosted the competition in 2001.
"Since 1977, this tournament has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and many others," Infantino said, adding that having this year's competition taking place in a "country that lives and breathes football" will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow.
On March 29, FIFA decided to strip Indonesia's hosting rights following strong rejections to Israel's participation. FIFA did not say the exact reason of the cancelation, only saying that it was based on "current situations".
FIFA has also restricted funding for PSSI, the football association of the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.
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