Indonesia Withdraws as Host of the U-20 World Cup; Here's the Breakdown of Preparation Costs

Indonesia has been stripped of its hosting rights for the 2023 U-20 World Cup. This was announced directly by the international football federation, FIFA.

"Due to current circumstances, FIFA has decided to remove Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup," FIFA stated in a press release on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

"A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the tournament dates remaining the same. Potential sanctions against PSSI may also be decided later," FIFA added.

The cancellation of Indonesia's hosting rights surprised many. Indonesia had been preparing since 2019. The government had also allocated significant funds for the event.

According to the statement by Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali, who recently resigned from his post in early March 2023, his ministry allocated a budget of Rp 500 billion for the U-20 World Cup.

The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) also disbursed Rp 175 billion to revitalize stadiums and football fields for the U-20 World Cup.

"That's Rp 175 billion in total. Five stadiums were used (for matches), and 20 (fields) for training. (The revitalized stadiums) are in Palembang, Bandung, Solo, Bali, and Surabaya," said Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, as reported by Katadata on Monday, March 27, 2023.

In its official statement, FIFA did not detail the reasons for revoking Indonesia's hosting status.

However, this occurred after the Governor of Bali refused entry to the Israeli U-20 national football team, which FIFA responded to by canceling the group draw.