AFC Postpones 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Security Concerns

RIYADH, Nov 3: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by nearly a year, citing exceptional regional circumstances, logistical difficulties and travel disruptions.

The 24-team continental tournament, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now be held from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the AFC said the tournament's organising committee had approved the revised schedule in view of developments in the region.

"The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions," the statement said.

The AFC added that it would submit the revised dates to FIFA for approval.

It said exceptional circumstances had affected preparations for the competition as originally scheduled, making postponement necessary in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

The decision follows escalating regional security concerns after a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, with Yemen's Houthi movement claiming responsibility for attacks targeting facilities in the Kingdom.

A strike on Riyadh's international airport last month killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Reuters. The attacks raised concerns about the safety of international travel and the ability to organise a major continental sporting event under the original timetable.

The postponement follows AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa's October statement that the confederation was monitoring developments and could move the tournament to 2028 if necessary. At the time, he said there was no urgency to make a decision and that preparations remained on schedule.

Saudi organisers had also reaffirmed their commitment to hosting the competition as planned, despite growing uncertainty over the regional situation.

Meanwhile, Australia had said it remained committed to its scheduled international friendlies in the region while closely monitoring developments.

The tournament was expected to be staged across three Saudi cities — Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar — with Riyadh designated to host the final.

The 2027 edition will mark Saudi Arabia's first time hosting the AFC Asian Cup. The Kingdom is also scheduled to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Once approved by FIFA, the revised dates will give organisers additional time to address the logistical and operational challenges arising from the regional situation.