The 2027 AFC Asian Cup has been postponed by almost a year amid growing security concerns in Saudi Arabia, just two months before the continental football tournament was scheduled to begin.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Tuesday, November 3, that the 24-team competition, originally scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about the safety of players, officials, supporters, and other stakeholders.
A statement from the Asian Football Confederation said: ‘The Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup approved rescheduling the flagship national team tournament considering the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions.
‘The new dates of the tournament (December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028) will be presented to FIFA for approval.
‘Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the Competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.’
Following the announcement of the postponement, Yasser al-Misehal, chairman of the local organising committee, vowed that Saudi Arabia was “fully ready”.
“The tournament will move to the new dates, and our preparations will continue as planned,” he told the Saudi Press Agency.
“We’re working closely with the AFC and all our partners to make sure the tournament runs smoothly and meets the high standards expected of Saudi Arabia and the Asian Cup.”
This comes after an escalation in conflict between a Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Yemeni-based Houthi rebels.
Multiple sites in Saudi Arabia came under Houthi missile and drone attacks, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh sustaining at least 20 strikes over an 11-day period, which reportedly led to 17 dead and more than 300 injured.