RIYADH: Saudi Arabian organisers have insisted that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup remains on schedule for January, despite growing security concerns following attacks on the kingdom and speculation that the continental football tournament could be postponed.
The local organising committee said preparations for the competition were continuing as planned, with work being carried out in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and other relevant stakeholders.
The announcement comes amid uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s schedule, after AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa indicated that a postponement until 2028 remained a possibility if circumstances required it.
The 2027 Asian Cup is scheduled to begin on January 7, with matches planned across three Saudi Arabian cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the organising committee reiterated its commitment to delivering the tournament according to the existing timetable.
“Preparations remain on schedule for the tournament,” the committee said, adding that coordination with the AFC and other stakeholders was continuing.
Security Situation Raises Questions Over Asian Cup
Saudi Arabia has faced an escalation in security concerns following attacks attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi group. The situation has also affected the country’s sporting calendar, with several sporting events, including domestic football matches, postponed.
Against this backdrop, questions have emerged over whether Saudi Arabia will be able to host Asia’s premier men’s international football tournament as planned.
The organising committee said it would continue monitoring developments relevant to the competition while ensuring that the necessary arrangements and resources were in place.
It also reaffirmed its ambition to deliver a tournament that meets Saudi Arabia’s hosting standards, while stressing the importance of ensuring suitable conditions for the event to take place successfully.
AFC Could Consider Postponement Until 2028
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said on Wednesday that officials were monitoring the situation and could wait until the end of November before making a final decision on the tournament’s future.
He indicated that moving the competition to 2028 remained an option if necessary, although no postponement had been announced.
For now, the AFC and Saudi Arabian organisers appear to be maintaining the existing schedule while assessing developments.
January Kick-Off Still Planned
The 2027 Asian Cup is one of the biggest events on the Asian football calendar and will bring together the continent’s leading national teams.
With the opening match scheduled for January 7, the coming weeks will be important in determining whether the tournament proceeds as planned or whether organisers are forced to consider alternative arrangements.
For the moment, Saudi Arabia’s organising committee has maintained that preparations are on track, even as security developments continue to raise questions about the tournament’s eventual staging.
