President Jokowi Respects FIFA’s Decision on U-20 World Cup Cancelation

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has decided to call off the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup which was to be held in Indonesia. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called on all elements to respect the decision.

“Last night, I have been reported by Chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) that FIFA has decided to call off the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup which was to be held in Indonesia. We certainly have to respect and accept the decision,” President Jokowi stated in Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Maros regency, South Sulawesi province, on Thursday (03/30) afternoon.

Furthermore, the Head of State understood that the decision has made Indonesian people dissapointed, including himself. However, the President called on the people no to waste energy to blame each other.

“As a big nation, we have to look forward, not to look back. Let this be a valuable lesson for all of us, for Indonesian football,” he remarked.

Moreover, President Jokowi has also instructed Chairman of the PSSI Erick Thohir to make the best effort possible, so the FIFA will not impose sanction against Indonesia.

“I have asked Chairman of the PSSI Erick Thohir to make the best effort possible, so no sanctions to be imposed against Indonesia and still has the chance to host other international events,” he said. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (AW/MMB)