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The Federation of International Federation of Association (FIFA) has cancelled the men’s U-20 and U-17 World Cup tournaments in 2021 over second wave of coronavirus infections across the globe.
The football governing body announced, in a statement on Thursday, that it took the decision after consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally scheduled to take place in 2021.
Both tournaments were originally slated to take place in Peru and Indonesia respectively.
FIFA noted that the next edition will be held in 2023 at the venues that were to host the 2021 edition of the tournament.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges for the hosting of international sporting events and to have a restrictive effect on international travel. FIFA has therefore regularly consulted the relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally scheduled to take place in 2021,” the statement read.
“In doing so, it became clear that the global situation has failed to normalise to a sufficient level to address the challenges associated with hosting both tournaments, including the feasibility of the relevant qualification pathways.
“FIFA would like to express its gratitude to the host member associations, as well as the authorities in Indonesia and Peru, for their commitment and the tournament preparations made so far. FIFA looks forward to continuing to work closely together with the host countries to organise successful tournaments.”
