INSIGHT: SOUTHEAST ASIA - Game over: FIFA removes Indonesia as host of 2023

likely referring to growing demands by conservative Islamic organizations and parties in Indonesia Protests in Indonesia against Israel’s participation to ban Israel’s U-20 team from competing in the in the tournament began in 2022. [...] The National Football Association After its winning bid in 2019 to host the U-20 WC in of Indonesia (PSSI) tried to convince the governors to 2021, Indonesia began preparing for the tournament withdraw their statements — and FIFA to reconsider to match FIFA standards. [...] However, to some, this image Indonesia’s U-20 football team also lost an of tolerance is fading away as Islamic conservatism opportunity to compete in the tournament — a perk continues to take root in the country of 274 million usually offered to the host country. [...] participating in the Asian qualifying rounds for the The cancellation of the U-20 WC has been attributed 2026 WC, which is expected to begin in October 2023. [...] may follow in the footsteps of FIFA and cancel the The cancellation of the games has also underscored hosting of the games in Bali.