Tuesday 9th February 2010
Indonesia's 2022 hopes fading fast
Indonesia's hopes of hosting the 2022 World Cup are in doubt with the government yet to declare their support for the bid.
Prospective hosts for the tournament must provide FIFA with a letter of government support by today if they are to have their bid considered.
However, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) are yet to receive confirmation of their government's backing, leaving their chances of hosting the tournament looking bleak.
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."
The absence of the official letter also prevents the PSSI from exploring other options, such as a potential joint bid with Australia.
Dali claimed FIFA had confirmed the 2022 World Cup would be held in Asia.
Join us on Facebook