Saudi organisers say 2027 Asian Cup remains on schedule after attacks
The local organising committee says preparations are continuing for January’s tournament, while the Asian Football Confederation has left open a move to 2028 if needed.
Saudi Arabia’s local organising committee said in a statement reported on 16 October that preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup remain on schedule despite attacks that have raised concerns about staging the tournament. The 24-team competition is due to run in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February, but the Asian Football Confederation has left open a postponement if needed.
The statement follows earlier concerns about the Asian Cup after missile strikes in Riyadh. AFP reported that several sporting events in Saudi Arabia, including domestic football matches, had been postponed amid the attacks. The Asian Cup is scheduled to begin in Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar.
What Saudi organisers said about Asian Cup preparations
The committee said work across organisational and operational areas was progressing according to the approved schedule. It specifically cited preparations for venues, facilities and supporting services. In its statement, quoted by Reuters, it said it would continue to monitor developments relevant to the tournament and ensure appropriate conditions for its delivery.
AFP quoted the committee as saying the work was continuing in close coordination with the Asian Football Confederation and other stakeholders. The organisers said they remained committed to keeping preparations on track and ensuring the necessary resources were in place.
Why a 2028 Asian Cup remains possible
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa said earlier in the week that the tournament could be moved to 2028 if necessary. AFP reported that he told reporters a final decision could wait until the end of November. ‘But at the moment we are monitoring the situation and everything is on schedule,’ he said.
The disruption has reached other international events. Reuters reported that the Asian Tour postponed the Saudi International golf tournament indefinitely after assessing organisational and logistical challenges. The $5 million event, scheduled for 18–21 November at Riyadh Golf Club, is the tour’s flagship tournament. Australia withdrew its team from the urban cycling World Championships, citing safety concerns about travelling to Riyadh, Reuters reported.
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Sources and context
- Asian Cup remains on track but golf tournament postponed in wake of Riyadh attackReuters, republished by Channel NewsAsia
- Saudi organisers say 2027 Asian Cup 'on schedule' after attacksAgence France-Presse, republished by Al-Monitor
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.