The under-20 FIFA world cup is scheduled to begin in May this year. Reportedly, On Wednesday, FIFA removed Israel from hosting the upcoming world cup this year. however, FIFA has not disclosed the reason for the same and said in a statement that they will soon declare the name of the new host, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. The decision came from FIFA after a week when Indonesian officials called for a ban on Israels team and protests in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta against Israels participation in the tournament. However, the reason for the change for the relocation has not been cited by the federation so far. But, potential sanctions against Erick Thohir, the president of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) may be decided at a later date.The mens Under-20 tournament was scheduled to take place in six Indonesian cities, including Gianyar in Bali, from May 20 to June 11. FIFA cancelled the event after the islands governor, Wayan Koster, last week asked for a ban on the Israeli team playing there due to Indonesias support for the Palestinian cause. The Indonesian province was supposed to hold the formal draw for group assignments on Friday.As per reports, over 100 protestors from conservative Islamic groups marched in Jakarta to protest the participation of Israel in the tournament, waving white flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith alongside Indonesian and Palestinian flags. Groups from other major Muslim countries are also calling for Israeli players to be denied to be part of the tournament. Reportedly, PSSI had cancelled the draw for the tournament on Sunday, after the governor of the largely Hindu island of Bali refused to host Israels team. Notably, Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. And, does not have any diplomatic relations with Israel, while publicly supporting the Palestinian cause. FIFA in a statement declared that “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.”Although there are no formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Indonesia, political unrest has had an effect on both nations football teams throughout the years. Indonesia left the 1958 World Cup qualification matches against Israel as FIFA turned down its request to hold the game at a neutral site to prevent political violence. Three countries with majorities of Muslims withdrew from the matches. Israel left the 1962 Asian Games as the Indonesian organisers refused to provide Israeli and Taiwanese teams admission permits.The official statement said that the new meeting between the FIFA President and the PSSI President for more discussions will be conducted soon. Under-20 FIFA 2023 World CupFIFA 2023 will be the 23rd edition of the event of the Under-20 football championship, since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA world cup Youth Championship. A total of 24 teams have been qualified to take part in the tournament. The 24 teams will be drawn into six groups of 4 teams. Players who are born on or after January 1, 2003, and on or before December 31, 2007, are eligible to play in the tournament. Each team has to name a preliminary squad of between 22 and 50 players. after that, From the preliminary squad, the team will name a final squad of 21 players, out of which three must be goalkeepers by the FIFA deadline. Players in the final squad can be replaced by a player from the preliminary squad due to serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before the kickoff of the teams first match.
