PARIS: FIFA has announced that the 2023 under-17 World Cup has been stripped from Peru due to the country’s inability to fulfill its commitments to complete the required infrastructure.
Despite having a positive working relationship with the Peruvian football federation, FIFA determined that there was not enough time to secure the necessary investment and complete the required work ahead of the tournament’s start date.
The biennial competition was originally scheduled to take place in Peru in 2021 but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazil won as the hosts in 2019.
The 24-team competition is still scheduled to be held on the planned dates of November 10-December 2, and FIFA has said it will designate a new host in due course.
While the football governing body remains open to organizing a competition in Peru in the future, the current situation has forced the cancellation of the under-17 World Cup.
FIFA strips Indonesia of hosting Under-20 World Cup
Last week, FIFA also withdrew the Under-20 World Cup, which was scheduled for May 20-June 11, from Indonesia due to the governors of two of the country’s provinces wanting to ban Israel, which had qualified for the first time.
The governing body has yet to announce a new host for the Under-20 World Cup.
The cancellation of the under-17 World Cup is a major blow to Peru, which has been preparing for the tournament for several years.
The country was hoping to showcase its footballing talent to the world and boost its economy through tourism.
The tournament is also a significant event for young players, offering them the opportunity to compete at the international level and gain exposure to professional football clubs.
FIFA’s decision to withdraw the tournament from Peru underscores the importance of infrastructure development and timely execution in hosting major sporting events.
It also serves as a warning to other countries that may be considering hosting such events without ensuring they have the necessary resources to deliver on their commitments.
