U-20 World Cup draw postponed as Indonesia loses hosting right

The Young Scorpions’ preparations and expectations for the Fifa World Under -20 draw may have to change now with news that the draw has been cancelled. The world football governing body and representatives from the national association whose teams qualified for the tourney were due to gather in Jakarta for the draw expected at the weekend. But a statement from Fifa yesterday stated: “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 dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage. FIFA would like to underline that despite this decision, it remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI, in close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Widodo, in the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022. Members of the Fifa team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir. “