By Amaechi Agbo

World Football governing body, FIFA has stripped Indonesia of the 2023 U-20 World Cup hosting rights.

The tournament is due to commence in less than two months, but FIFA in a statement Wednesday said that while the search for a new host nation is on, the dates for the commencement of the competition is not affected by the recent development

“Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023,” a FIFA statement said.

“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.”

The decision follows the cancellation of the official draw for the tournament, which was due to be held in Bali last Friday.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said Fifa was forced to cancel the draw after Bali’s governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team.

Indonesia does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Israel and recently protesters have held marches demanding Israel be stopped from competing in the tournament, in support of Palestine.

Indonesia were awarded hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified for the tournament. England’s U20 team is also set to compete.

“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.”

Qatar who hosted the 2022 senior World Cup could be FIFA’s Plan A as the new host

The U-20 World Cup is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June this year.

Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia and Tunisia are the four Africa representatives in the tournament