Fury, Sadness in Indonesia after FIFA Pulls Under-20 World Cup

Koster on Thursday cited the occupation of Palestinian lands and "threat and security" concerns for rejecting Israel's participation, comparing his call for a ban to Russia's exile from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Very painful

The Democratic Party of Struggle, the powerful nationalist ruling party of Widodo and Koster, in a statement expressed regret about the decision but said it had sought for Israel to play its games in "the nearest neighboring country".

There was popular support for the tournament - which the country was handed in 2019 - with many viewing it as a source of national pride.

Jakarta pledged to guarantee Israel's participation despite its pro-Palestinian stance, but opposing voices became too loud for FIFA.

"This is truly a very painful incident for the Indonesian people. Those who made the noise and made us fail... must be held accountable," said Akmal Marhali, an expert at football watchdog Save Our Soccer.

Indonesian officials said losing the tournament could cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars.

Also read: Indonesia to Demolish Football Stadium Where Crush Killed 133

FIFA threatened further sanctions and could exclude Indonesia from 2026 World Cup qualifiers that begin in October. It was banned for a year in 2015 over government interference.

But for Indonesia's fervent fans, it was the loss of their first ever major football tournament that hurt the most.

"I am very disappointed because it has been my dream to watch Indonesia hosting a global football event," said 40-year-old supporter Jarnawi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

The game in the country has long been dogged by shaky infrastructure and fan violence.

But it was the clash of politics and sport that ultimately cost it the tournament many had long hoped for.

"We are talking about youths who want to play soccer. They do not have any more interests," said pundit Justin Lhaksana.

"Why is this issue blindly mixed with political games?"

Source: Agence France-Presse