…we still have the dream of becoming host of the senior-level 2034 World Cup along with other countries. In order to achieve that, we need to regain FIFA's trust.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Zainuddin Amali met the U-20 national team on Thursday, one day after Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) decided to drop Indonesia as the World Cup host.

The 2023 U-20 World Cup was scheduled to take place at the end of May.

During the meeting at Sultan Hotel in Jakarta on Thursday, Amali attempted to console and cheer up players following FIFA's decision, which was announced on Wednesday evening.

"I can feel what you feel, my dear children. You all have shown your best. You have carried out all trainings and exercises in accordance with instructions from the head coach Shin Tae-yong (STY) and his staff. You have done everything. I still hope that you will be able to compete in a World Cup," he said.

He also expressed the hope that coach Shin Tae-yong, his staff, and the players would remain calm and wait for PSSI Chairperson Erick Thohir to decide on further actions.

"This is indeed hard, sad, and disappointing for all of us, but this has already happened. But we still have the dream of becoming host of the senior-level 2034 World Cup along with other countries. In order to achieve that, we need to regain FIFA's trust," Amali said.

He also highlighted another problem that needs to be addressed carefully, namely the potential for sanctions from FIFA due to Indonesia’s inability to organize the event as agreed.

"That is what we are worried about. We have assured FIFA of our ability to be a proper and good host of the event by handing over a government guarantee signed by governments, both central and regional," the former Youth and Sports Affairs Minister noted.

Indonesia's participation in the U-20 World Cup has also become uncertain as the Garuda Nusantara team had previously secured a spot in the biannual event only through the country's appointment as host.

FIFA has yet to give a clear signal on how to address Indonesia's slot in the event following its cancellation in Indonesia.

"We still have no clue about the next decision. Hopefully, we will still be allowed to participate regardless of where the event will take place. It should be noted that there are already 24 teams qualified. For that reason, our hope remains,” he said.

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Translator: Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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