The draw of the groups Sub 20 world of FIFA in Indonesia has been cancelled, Indonesian football officials announced on Monday, following a request by the governor of Bali to ban the Israeli team from participating in the tournament.
Israel and Indonesia have no diplomatic ties and the Southeast Asian country, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, is an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause.
FIFA has canceled the draw scheduled for next Friday without giving reasons or a new date, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) said in a statement.
“The lottery was annulled. We can understand that because there was opposition from the governor of Bali,” Arya Sinulingga, a member of PSSI’s steering committee, told a news conference on Sunday. “Israel is a participant and the draw cannot be done without all participants,” he added.
Wayan Koster, governor of Bali, had called for a boycott of the Israel team due to Indonesia’s policy of supporting the Palestinians, in a letter sent to the Ministry of Youth and Sports in March.
O Sub 20 world, which brings together 24 teams, will be played in several cities in Indonesia from May 20 to June 11. It is the first time that Israel has qualified for the tournament and the Indonesian government has pledged to ensure the safety of all participants.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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