Do Not Mix Sports and Politics
In response to the controversy over Israel’s participation in the 2023 U-20 football World Cup in Indonesia, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has asked all parties to refrain from mixing sports and politics.
President Joko Widodo gave a statement regarding the U-20 World Cup on Tuesday, 28 March 2023, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asked all parties to refrain from mixing sports and political affairs in response to the controversy over Israel’s participation in the 2023 U-20 football World Cup in Indonesia. The President stressed that he concurred with the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, who said that FIFA had regulations that must be adhered to.
“So, don’t mix sports and politics. At this moment, FIFA is aware of the opposition toward the Israeli national team’s participation in the U-20 World Cup. However, the government and PSSI [Indonesian Football Association] are still doing their best to find a solution,” said President Jokowi at the State Palace on Tuesday (28/3/2023).