The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) removed Indonesia on Wednesday as host of the under-20 U-20 World Cup soccer tournament, previously slated to take place from May 20 to June 11 in Bali, Indonesia. It is unknown where the event will now take place, reported the Associated Press.
FIFA officials cited “current circumstances” without specifying details, the AP reported. “A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged,” they said.
This was to be Israel’s first time participating in the competition.
Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country, has a provision in its constitution calling for the abolishment of colonialism. As such, Indonesian officials have apparently interpreted that as a reason to oppose Israel.
The AP reported on Sunday that FIFA also canceled a first step towards Indonesia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.