FIFA cancels U-20 World Cup draw as Iraq, Indonesia refuse to play against Israel
FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo: AFP
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) canceled the draw for the Under-20 World Cup, which was scheduled to take place on Friday, following the request of Iraq and Indonesia not to play with Israel.
After Indonesia and Iraq requested not to play against Israel in the FIFA U-20 World championship, the draw that was scheduled to take place on Friday in Bali, Indonesia, has been cancelled, Kann News reported.
Kann News added that FIFA accepted the request of the two Muslim countries because they do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Media outlets in Indonesia and India reported that the decision to cancel the draw could cause FIFA to fully or partially move the championship from Indonesia.
Additionally, Indonesia could be sanctioned by FIFA if the U-20 World Cup draw is canceled due to the issue related to Israel.
Indonesian news agencies reported that a meeting took place on Friday between the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, and the Palestinian ambassador to the country, where the issue was discussed.
Kann News also mentioned a few days ago that the Israeli Foreign Ministry was working to allow Israeli fans to obtain visas to attend the Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia, despite protests against Israel in the country, and the fact that there are no official relations between the two countries.
Israel had qualified for the first time in its history for the tournament, which will be held on May 20.