Anger and bitterness in Indonesia, deprived of the Under-20 World Cup

The announcement comes after the governors of two provinces in the archipelago wanted to ban the Israeli team from participating.

Indonesia and Israel have no diplomatic relations, and the Southeast Asian country, which has the world's largest Muslim population, is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause.

A video released by the Indonesian Football Federation shows the players bowing their heads and their coach in tears after learning that FIFA was going to choose another country to host the competition.

The Indonesian under-20 team, automatically qualified as the host country, now risks being excluded from the competition.

"We had devoted our energy, time, sweat and even blood (to this competition), but in an instant it failed because of political reasons," Rabbani Tasnim, a 19-year-old player, wrote on social media.

"It is our great dream that you have destroyed."

Netizens flooded the Instagram account of Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo with negative messages, who had protested Israel's participation.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster also called for a boycott of the Israeli team, while a hundred supporters of conservative Muslim groups protested in Jakarta against Israel in March.

But a large part of the population was in favor of the competition awarded to Indonesia in 2019.

The government had pledged to ensure the safety of all participants, but could not prevent hostile positions.

"This is really a painful episode for Indonesians. Those who created this hubbub and led us to failure (...) must be held accountable," said Akmal Marhali of Save Our Soccer.

Posters raising awareness of the organization of the U20 World Cup in Indonesia seen along the streets of Jakarta, March 30, 2023 © ADEK BERRY / AFP

"I'm very disappointed because seeing Indonesia host a global football event was my dream," said Jarnawi, a 40-year-old fan who, like many Indonesians, goes by one name.

Indonesia also remains bruised by one of the worst disasters in the history of football. Last October, 135 fans lost their lives in a giant stampede at a stadium on the island of Java.

© 2023 AFP