The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has moved the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from January to December, following security concerns and logistical challenges linked to escalating tensions in the region.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, comes amid a series of cancellations and postponements of major sporting events in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks following Houthi attacks on the country.
The tournament, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place between December 23, 2027, and January 21, 2028.
The AFC said the decision followed extensive consultations with Saudi officials and was necessitated by exceptional circumstances that could affect the smooth organisation of the competition.
In a statement, the continental football governing body said its organising committee had approved the revised schedule in response to developments in the region.
It also identified substantial logistical complications and disruptions to international travel as major factors behind the decision.
“The organising committee for AFC Asian Cup approved rescheduling the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region,” the statement said.
The AFC added that the new dates would be presented to FIFA for approval.
Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are the three Saudi cities designated to host the competition, which will run for approximately one month.
The postponement comes despite assurances by local organisers last month that preparations remained on schedule, even as concerns mounted over the impact of regional insecurity on the tournament.
According to the AFC, the decision was reached after extensive discussions and close consultation with Saudi authorities.
It said maintaining the original schedule would pose significant difficulties for the organisation and delivery of the competition.
“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 statement added.
The Asian Cup is the AFC's flagship national team competition and one of the biggest football tournaments on the continent.
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