Controversy Inside The U20 World Cup Participants

Source: Liputan6.com

Indonesia, for the first time in the nation's history, will hold the U20 World Cup which will be held on May 20, 2023. This world cup was held in several cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Palembang, Surakarta and Gianyar. The Indonesian National Team itself also has the status of one and only representative from ASEAN because it acts as the host for this event every 2 years. However, there is some controversy regarding the participants in the world cup which was held this year by Indonesian football observers and lovers.

This year's World Cup was attended by 24 participants, where each continent's football head sent its best representatives. Some of the leading countries that are predicted to become champions such as Brazil, England, Italy, and France have a big chance to win this tournament. However, in the 24 participants, there was 1 country name which became a controversy in Indonesian society, that country is Israel. 

Source: Bola.com

A number of community groups rejected Israel's participation as a participant in the u20 world cup due to human rights and Israel's conflict with Palestine. Indonesia also does not recognize Israeli sovereignty and does not establish bilateral relations with Israel. However, the participation of a country in the FIFA event is entirely the authority of FIFA as the parent of world football. Indonesia and the Ministry of Sports only provide venues and supporting facilities as hosts. Raden Isnanta, Deputy of the Ministry of Sports said 

"Sport has nothing to do with politics, sport is sport" 

Regarding this, Israel's participation in the U20 World Cup can be ensured that it will continue to participate and be involved in this tournament regardless of public controversy and criticism.