FIFA awards hosting U-20 World Cup to Argentina as last-minute replacement for Indonesia

April 18 - Argentina have been confirmed as hosts of the Under-20 World Cup following the decision to strip Indonesia of the right to host the tournament.

FIFA announced the decision to withdraw Indonesia from the host country last month following protests in the country against Israel's participation. The draw for the 24-team final scheduled for March 31 was postponed at the last minute after local politicians protested the inclusion of Israel in support of the Palestinian cause.

Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country, won hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified, but the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations.

Be careful not to openly take sides in the dispute, FIFA never specified the reason for their move, simply saying that Indonesia had lost the tournament "due to current circumstances", although everyone know what it meant.

Shortly after Indonesia's recount, sparking anger and sadness on social media among players and fans, the Argentine Federation officially submitted its bid to host the tournament from May 20 to June 11.

Although the South Americans failed to qualify, they will now take Indonesia's place as hosts rather than FIFA choosing to keep the tournament in Asia.

“I would like to thank the AFA, its president Claudio Tapia, as well as the government authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.< /p>

"The fact that this year's edition takes place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a great inspiration for the stars of tomorrow."

FIFA has added that the official draw for the tournament will now take place this Friday in Zurich.

Argentina hosted the Under-20 World Cup in 2001 and won the fourth of their record six titles. They are also looking to jointly host the World Cup final in 2030 with Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay.

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