Indonesia dropped from hosting Under-20 soccer World Cup after Bali governor refuses to host Israeli team

Indonesian players and fans have been left dismayed after the country was dropped as host of the Under-20 soccer World Cup, following outrage among politicians in the predominantly Muslim nation about Israel's participation. Key points: Indonesia does not have formal ties with Israel and has long been a vocal supporter of Palestine Players and fans are worried the FIFA decision will lead to fines and ostracisation from global soccer Soccer is widely followed in Indonesia where it has often been overshadowed by violence Soccer's world governing body FIFA stripped Indonesia of hosting rights over what one Indonesian official said was a failure to honour its commitments to the tournament. Indonesian President Joko Widodo did not want the country "ostracised" from global soccer and had ordered PSSI to transform the sport in the country after losing the hosting rights, Mr Thohir said. Mr Marhali said that Indonesia must put forward "eternal peace and social justice" for Israel in sports, despite the country's objections to Israel's policy in Occupied Palestine. "