The draw for the men’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia has been cancelled, officials said, days after Bali’s governor called for Israel to be kicked out of the competition.
The two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, and support for the Palestinian cause in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation runs high, fuelling local opposition to hosting the Israeli team.
Fixtures for the 24-nation tournament beginning in May were due to be chosen on Friday in Bali, but FIFA cancelled the event without giving a reason or setting a new date, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) said in a statement Sunday.
Officials said a likely factor in the draw’s cancellation was a call by Bali governor Wayan Koster for Israel…
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