AFC postpones Saudi Asian Cup amid regional disruption
The AFC has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by almost a year because of regional disruption, with revised dates spanning December 2027 and January 2028 to be submitted to FIFA for approval.
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, citing travel disruption and logistical difficulties arising from developments in the Middle East.The 24-team tournament, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, will now be held from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, subject to FIFA approving the revised dates.The AFC said: “Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”The decision follows consultations with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organising committee, with Saudi Arabia remaining the host.The AFC’s tournament organising committee approved the rescheduling after assessing what the confederation described as substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions.The move creates a new planning timetable for participating associations, broadcasters, sponsors and supporters, with preparations shifting from early 2027 to a tournament extending into the following year.The AFC said it would work with those groups to limit the consequences of the delay and maintain preparations for the competition.It added: “The AFC will continue to work closely with the LOC, Participating Member Associations and its valued sponsors and broadcast and commercial partners and all stakeholders to stage a showpiece befitting the stature and operational excellence synonymous with Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team competition, while minimising the impact of the postponement.”The announcement brings forward a decision that AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa had previously indicated could wait until the end of November.In October, the confederation said it was monitoring the situation and was not under immediate pressure to settle the tournament’s future.The new schedule will require coordination with FIFA and the wider football calendar, including the club commitments of players selected by the participating national teams.Saudi Arabia is due to stage the Asian Cup for the first time, with matches planned across eight venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Khobar.The competition is also an important part of the country’s preparations for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, giving organisers experience of delivering a major international football tournament.The previous Asian Cup also took place later than originally intended after China withdrew as host because of COVID-19 restrictions.Qatar subsequently staged that edition in early 2024, retaining the tournament’s 2023 title despite the change of year.For Saudi Arabia 2027, the immediate next step is FIFA’s consideration of the proposed dates, with the AFC undertaking to communicate further operational updates through its official channels.