Saudi organisers say 2027 Asian Cup ‘on schedule’ after attacks

The organising committee for the 2027 Asian Cup expressed confidence that the tournament's preparations remain on schedule, despite recent attacks on Saudi Arabia. Speaking to reporters, they affirmed that the event, scheduled to commence on January 7 in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Khobar, is progressing as planned in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and other stakeholders.

The committee's statement came after growing concerns over the tournament following Houthi attacks on the country. While the AFC's president, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, hinted that the competition might be postponed to 2028, he emphasized that there is no urgency to make a hasty decision.

The 2027 Asian Cup, a prestigious football tournament, is set to take place in the Saudi cities of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Khobar. However, recent days have seen Saudi Arabia facing a surge in violence due to the escalating conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi group. Consequently, several sporting events, including domestic football matches, have been postponed.

The local organising committee for the Asian Cup, a reflection of Saudi Arabia's ambition and standards, remains committed to keeping preparations on track. They continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring all necessary resources are in place for a successful tournament.