The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia until December next year following Houthi militant attacks that have disrupted flights and raised security concerns in the kingdom.
The AFC announced the decision on Tuesday, citing “exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region” and “substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions.”
The 24-team competition was due to begin in January 2027. Organisers now expect it to start in December and run into early 2028.
“The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval,” the event’s organisers said.
Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi Arabia’s plans
The postponement comes amid growing security concerns over attacks by Houthi militants from neighbouring Yemen.
The strikes threaten Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major destination for international sporting and entertainment events.
Last month, attacks on Riyadh’s airport killed more than a dozen people and disrupted flights along one of the kingdom’s main transport routes.
The violence also threatens Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic transformation plan. The multi-trillion-dollar agenda includes major investments in sports, tourism and infrastructure.
The Asian Cup is among several sporting events affected by the regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia rescheduled its Six Kings Slam tennis tournament last month. It also failed to host the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah earlier this year amid the US-Iran conflict.
The kingdom had also postponed the 2029 Asian Winter Games earlier this year. Development challenges at a planned desert ski resort in Neom led to that decision.
Saudi Arabia faces pressure over future events
The latest postponement raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s ability to host major international events.
The kingdom plans to host the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Both events will require huge investments in infrastructure and facilities.
The Asian Cup was due to take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. However, recent Houthi strikes have raised security concerns across all three locations.
Leave a Reply