Tears, anger as Indonesian soccer fears FIFA sanctions

By NINIEK KARMINI and GRAHAM DUNBAR
Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian soccer players and fans have reacted with tears and outrage after the country was stripped of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup only eight weeks before the start of the tournament amid political turmoil over Israel’s participation, leaving Indonesian soccer at risk of further sanctions. The youth soccer event was expected to be a rare turn on the global soccer stage for a country that hasn’t been to the World Cup since winning independence, but it was officially canceled Wednesday after two regional governors said they would not allow an Israeli team to play in their territories. The deputy chair of the national soccer federation apologized in an emotional meeting with Indonesian youth players and their coach in Jakarta.