Indonesia in FIFA talks over Israel protests

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Tuesday he was sending the country's football association chief for talks with FIFA about its hosting of the Under-20 World Cup after the draw was nixed following protests over Israel's participation.

The two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, and support for the Palestinian cause in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation runs high, fueling local opposition to hosting the Israeli team.

"I have sent (Indonesian Football Association) PSSI chief Erick Thohir to meet with FIFA team to look for the best solution," Widodo said in a livestreamed speech.

He did not specify when Thohir  would fly to FIFA headquarter in Switzerland or which FIFA officials he would meet.

Fixtures for the 24-nation tournament beginning in May were due to be chosen on Friday in Bali, but FIFA cancelled the event without reason or setting a new date.