Football's global governing body FIFA is mulling possible sanctions against Indonesia following the revocation of the country's hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup, said Erick Thohir, President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), on Friday.
FIFA removed Indonesia's hosting rights over what a PSSI official said was a failure to honor its commitments to the tournament, following outrage among some politicians in the predominantly Muslim nation about Israel's participation.
FIFA took the action after PSSI said it had canceled the draw for the tournament because the governor of Bali refused to host Israel's team.
The removal caused anger and dismay among fans and players in the football-mad Southeast Asian country.
Erick told a news conference the toughest sanctions FIFA might bring in included barring Indonesia from competing at the highest level of the sport internationally.
"I am working hard to negotiate again with FIFA so that sanctions can be avoided," he said.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo did not want the country "ostracized" from global football and had ordered PSSI to transform the sport in the country after losing the hosting rights, Erick said.
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
