Argentina set to be handed spot in major tournament despite NOT QUALIFYING
ARGENTINA are set to play at the Under-20 World Cup this summer, despite not qualifying.
The Albiceleste didn’t initially make the cut after failing to get out of their group in last month’s South American U-20 Championship.
Managed by former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano, Argentina fell to fourth in their five-team group after defeats to Paraguay, Brazil and Colombia.
They have been offered a reprieve, however, as HOSTS of the competition.
Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, were initially scheduled to put on the event this summer.
But the Asian nation were stripped of hosting duties by Fifa after refusing to host participating side Israel following protests that saw civilians march with Indonesian and Palestinian flags.
According to Israeli sports reporter Dor Hoffman, Argentina have quickly been selected by Fifa to replace Indonesia as hosts for the tournament, which is due to begin on May 20.
This will also see the Albiceleste replace Indonesia in the competition.
Mascherano resigned as coach after his side’s South American Championship flop – but the Argentine federation will reportedly try to convince him to return as boss.
Fifa came to their decision to relieve Indonesia of hosting duties after a meeting between its president Gianni Infantino and Indonesian FA chief Erick Thohir.
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Following confirmation of the devastating blow for Indonesian football, Thohir said: “Indonesia is a Fifa member, so for any international soccer matters, we have to abide by the rules.
“I ask all football lovers to keep their heads held high over this tough decision by Fifa. It’s time we proved to Fifa to work harder to transform soccer, towards clean and high-achieving soccer.”
The tournament had been set to be Indonesia’s first appearance at an Under-20 World Cup since 1979.