FIFA announced on Wednesday that the U-20 World Cup will no longer be held in Indonesia. The youth tournament that has to be completed later this year must find a new host country. Israel’s participation is the root cause of the decision, according to The Guardian.
FIFA removes youth World Cup from Indonesia after controversy with Israel
“Due to the current circumstances, FIFA has decided to remove Indonesia from hosting the World Cup,” FIFA said of the decision. The world football association indicated that it would designate a new host country as soon as possible. It was also written that the decision was made after a meeting between chairman Gianni Infantino and Erick Thohir, the chairman of the Indonesian Football Association.
The current circumstances point to the refusal to host the Israeli national team. Earlier this month, demonstrations were held in Jakarta against the arrival of the country. Mostly Muslims live in the capital, which means that support for Palestine is high. That country is at war with Israel.
The governor of Bali already indicated that he would refuse Israel, while FIFA wanted all countries to be welcome. Earlier on Wednesday, the draw was canceled for the tournament, which should take place between May 20 and June 11.
Resolute FIFA also draws a line through the rainbow bracelet for football players
FIFA has also banned the rainbow bracelet in women’s football. The Football Association has decided not to tolerate the captain’s armband at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next summer. This is reported by the German BILD.
According to the boulevard newspaper, the German women have already agreed to FIFA’s demand. Captain Alexandra Popp has been wearing the rainbow bracelet for years, but will not do so during the World Cup. Initially, FIFA was asked to push through the rainbow bracelet, but the football association rejected that request.
FIFA also refused to provide information about possible sanctions. However, it is forbidden to wear a captain’s armband other than that of FIFA itself. “FIFA has informed us that they want all participating countries to wear the FIFA captain’s armband in the FIFA campaign,” said a spokeswoman for the German federation.
At the European Championship, the German women were still allowed to register the rainbow bracelet through UEFA. Germany now accepts FIFA’s demand, as it believes that the tournament will be held in LGBTQ+-friendly countries. National coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is clear: “We always carry the rainbow bracelet in our hearts.”
