WORLD football governing body FIFA has withdrawn the hosting rights for a second age-grade competition scheduled for this year.
The body has removed Peru as hosts of the U-17 World Cup, just days after doing the same to Indonesia for the U-20 World Cup.
“FIFA has regretfully withdrawn Peru’s hosting rights to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023 following extensive discussions between FIFA and the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF),” the global organisation stated today.
“The tournament remains scheduled to take place from 10 November to 2 December 2023, but the Bureau of the FIFA Council will now designate a new host in due course.”
FIFA explained that Peru could not provide adequate facilities for the competition, in which 24 teams are scheduled to participate.
“The move was made given the inability of the host country to fulfil its commitments to completing the infrastructure required to stage the tournament,” FIFA added.
“Despite a very positive working relationship between FIFA and the FPF, it has been determined that there is now not sufficient time to secure the required investment and complete the necessary work with the Peruvian government ahead of the tournament start date.
“FIFA would like to express its thanks to the FPF for their efforts, and remains open to organising a competition in Peru in the future.”
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, who have won the U-17 World Cup five times, are seeking to qualify for this year’s edition.
They will compete in the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Algeria from April 29 to May 19 and will serve as the qualifying tournament for the World Cup.
Nigeria are in Group B alongside Morocco, South Africa and Zambia, with their base in Constantine.
