NOBARTV NEWS – Indonesian President Joko Widodo had to step in to mediate the rejection of the Israeli National Team U-20 World Cup 2023. In his statement, Jokowi explained that the Indonesian government agreed with what the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia said.
As is known, the arrival of the Israeli National Team to Indonesia to take part in the 20 U-2023 World Cup is still being rejected. The aftermath of this rejection was that FIFA canceled the drawing for the U-20 World Cup which was actually held on the day after March 31 2023.
Last night, after watching the match between Indonesian National team versus Burundi on FIFA Matchday, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir immediately flew to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The arrival of the man who also serves as Minister of BUMN was to meet FIFA officials to discuss Indonesia's fate as host of the 20 U-2023 World Cup.
Previously, on the same day, Indonesian President Joko Widodo also held a press conference after receiving complaints from many parties regarding Israel's arrival in Indonesia. In his statement, Jokowi confirmed that Indonesia still adheres to its principles regarding Indonesia's support for the Palestinian people. So, even though Israel comes to Indonesia, Jokowi guarantees that the Indonesian government is still and will continue to side with the freedom of the Palestinian people.
Jokowi emphasized that he shares the same views as Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al-Shun. That Israel's arrival in Indonesia is the will and regulations of FIFA - which all members are obliged to obey.
"In matters of the U-20 World Cup, we (Indonesia) agree with the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia that FIFA has rules that its members adhere to. "So, don't mix sports and political matters," explained Jokowi.
Jokowi then explained the long process that Indonesia had to go through to be able to host the event. Where, PSSI has to compete with several other countries such as Peru and Brazil.
"Indonesia became the host through a bidding process, through a long selection process, and in the final process there were three candidate countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Peru," added the number one person in Indonesia.
“And finally, in October 2019, Indonesia was appointed to host the U-20 World Cup by FIFA. This is an honor for the Indonesian people."
“I guarantee that Israel's participation has nothing to do with our consistent foreign policy towards Palestine. "Because our support for Palestine has always been firm and strong," stressed the president.
Politics is mixed up with football 🥱
Now it's all gone