Why is Indonesia facing a 'potential' FIFA Ban?

The nation have been stripped of the 2023 Under-20 World Cup hosting rights

During the Israel dispute, Fifa revokes Indonesia's bid to host the 2023 Under-20 World Cup.

FIFA has declared that Indonesia would no longer be allowed to host the Under-20 World Cup. When the Indonesian football association (PSSI) said it had annulled the draw since the mayor of Bali declined to welcome Israel's squad, Fifa made the decision to exclude the Asian country from serving as the host of the event, which will begin in May.

The world governing body of football stated that the choice had been made following talks between its president Gianni Infantino and PSSI chair Erick Thohir. Officials from PSSI haven't yet commented on the choice.

Earlier this month, demonstrators marched through Jakarta's centre while carrying the flags of Indonesia and Palestine and asking that Israel be barred from taking part. The majority of people in Indonesia are Muslims. The majority of Indonesian Muslims follow a moderate form of Islam, but in recent years there has been a rise in religious conservatism that has permeated politics.

Also Read: List of countries banned by FIFA due to third-party interference

The Indonesian football team's prospects of competing in subsequent Fifa events would be harmed, according to the PSSI earlier this week, and there would be "trillions of rupiah" in financial damages.

Following a catastrophic stampede that resulted in the deaths of 135 fans at a stadium in East Java in October of last year, Fifa said that it was dedicated to supporting the PSSI. According to the statement, "Members of the Fifa team will continue to stay in Indonesia in the upcoming months and will give the necessary help to the PSSI, under the supervision of president Thohir."

“Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup 2023,” a Fifa statement said. “A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”

“A new meeting between the Fifa president and the PSSI president for further discussions will be scheduled shortly.”

Indonesia was able to qualify for the Under-20 World Cup because it was the host nation, however the national squad hasn't participated in the competition since 1979.