Under the weight of security escalation... Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia faces possible postponement

The Asian Football Confederation is considering postponing the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to 2028, against the backdrop of escalating security tensions and recent attacks on the country. Confederation President, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, announced that postponement remains an option, but stressed that the confederation is not rushing to make a decision on the tournament's fate.

The Asian Football Confederation is considering postponing the Asian Cup scheduled in Saudi Arabia in early 2027 to 2028, against the backdrop of escalating security tensions and recent attacks on the country. Confederation President, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, announced on Wednesday in statements to journalists in Zurich that postponing the tournament remains an option, but stressed that the confederation is not rushing to make a decision on the tournament's fate. He indicated that the confederation can wait until the end of November before deciding the matter, noting that conditions in the region could change quickly, either towards de-escalation or further escalation. He added that the confederation will make the appropriate decision if necessary, explaining that postponing the tournament for one year, to be held in 2028 instead of 2027, remains one of the possible options. At the same time, he confirmed that preparations are currently proceeding according to the set schedule, and that the confederation continues to monitor developments. The Asian Cup is scheduled to start on January 7, 2027, with the participation of 24 teams, and will be hosted by the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. The continental confederation president's statements came following an escalation of attacks on Saudi Arabia, amid tensions related to the war with the Houthis in Yemen. The security developments have impacted several sporting events in the country in recent days, as a match for Al-Nassr Saudi club, led by Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Asian Champions League was delayed for one hour on Monday.