Indonesia’s hopes of hosting the 2022 World Cup are in doubt with the country’s government yet to declare their support for the bid.
Potential hosts for the tournament had to provide FIFA with a letter of government support by Tuesday if they are to have their bid considered.
However, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) are yet to receive confirmation of their government’s backing.
The Jakarta Government believes the Indonesian Football Association should focus on grassroots development before considering an ambitious World Cup bid.
PSSI deputy secretary general Dali Thai told the Jakarta Globe: “The guarantee letter is very important. Without backing from the government, Indonesia will be disqualified from the bidding process. If we don’t take the opportunity now, we’ll have to wait for another 20 years.
“President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and minister of youth and sport Andi Alifian Mallarangeng are the key figures to make this bid happen. We plead to them. It’s not just a PSSI event, it’s a big event for Indonesians.”
