Asian Cup 2027 postponed, will now begin in Saudi Arabia on 23 December 2027

RIYADH: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has changed the schedule of the 2027 Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the 24-team tournament will now be played from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.

The tournament was earlier due to be held from 7 January to 5 February 2027.

The AFC said the decision was taken after detailed consultations with the local organising committee and the Saudi Football Federation. The statement said the situation in the region had created exceptional circumstances, including administrative difficulties and travel obstacles. It described the delay as being in the interest of all teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

The new dates will be sent to FIFA for approval.

Yemen’s Houthis have been carrying out repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia since September, and the capital, Riyadh, has also been hit. According to the BBC, a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh airport in October killed 13 people and injured more than 300. In recent days, several participating countries had expressed security concerns.

After the change in Asian Cup dates, the Saudi Pro League has postponed this week’s matches. According to the league, this will allow a more balanced distribution of matches for the rest of the season. The Six Kings Slam Tennis exhibition event in Riyadh has also been cancelled, while the Asian Tour has postponed indefinitely its season-ending golf tournament, scheduled for 18 to 21 November.

This is the second Asian Cup in a row to have its schedule changed. The 2023 tournament was played in Qatar in 2024, instead of China, because of Covid.