Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) explained the reasons for continuing to refuse the Israeli National Football Team’s arrival to Indonesia in the U-20 World Cup.
Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in the field of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation (HLNKI) Sudarnoto linked the preamble to the 1945 Constitution with the rejection.
“The main reason is the constitution, namely the preamble of the 1945 Constitution which emphasizes colonialism must be removed, that’s more or less the case,” said Sudarnoto when contacted by CNNIndonesia.com, Monday (27/3) evening.
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According to Sudarnoto, it is impossible for Indonesia to accept that Israel is playing in the middle of the Palestinian situation which is of concern due to Israeli attacks.
“How is it possible, how is it possible for us to be in such a situation where our friends, our families, the state Palestine which provides support for Indonesian independence, are being colonized, are being persecuted. Then we happily, happily accept Israeli citizens to follow what it’s called the U-20 World Cup,” said Sudarnoto.
Even though he refused, Sudarnoto hoped that the U-20 World Cup would run smoothly and that Indonesia would gain an international reputation.
“So I don’t question football, I pray that the U-20 World Cup will be a success and Indonesia will gain an international reputation,” said Sudarnoto.
Previously, FIFA decided to cancel the draw for the U-20 World Cup which was scheduled to take place in Bali on March 31.
As a result of this incident, PSSI chairman Erick Thohir will meet with FIFA to lobby regarding Indonesia’s position as host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
(isn)
(Gambas:Video CNN)