Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Football Association (PSSI) informed that FIFA has cancelled U-20 World Cup Drawing in Bali, although the global football federation has yet to send an official letter to PSSI about it.
Member of PSSI Executive Committee Arya Sinulingga disclosed the information during a press conference in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here on Saturday.
He also said that Thohir would report the latest situation to President Joko Widodo, so they can work to resolve the issues. Thohir also expected to communicate with FIFA to seek for the best solution, Sinulingga mentioned.
Baca juga: FIFA membatalkan drawing Piala Dunia U-20 di Bali
He affirmed that PSSI has talked to the Bali administration about the decision. However, PSSI respects the province's decision.
"We, PSSI, act as the host. First, (Bali) has refused the presence (of Israeli team), and then the drawing (got cancelled), so it ends up being difficult for us, we can no longer ask for it to be hosted there," he stated.
This issue could put Indonesia at risk of being sanctioned by FIFA, he said. Because Indonesia has already offered itself to host the competition, thus it is committed to bearing all the consequences that come with it, Sinulingga explained.
He stressed that if Indonesia fails to meet the expectations, then it has already violated the agreements which have been made.
"In 2018, we were banned too. We experienced that, so it is not something new, that we had already gone through it. And we do not want it to recur to us," he added.
Bali is one of the locations set for the U-20 World Cup. Other locations include Jakarta, Bandung, Solo, Surabaya, and Palembang.
FIFA cancels U-20 World Cup drawing in Bali
Member of National Football Association executive committee Arya Sinulingga during a press conference in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday, March 26, 2023. (ANTARA PHOTOS/RAUF ADIPATI/my)
