Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia May Be Postponed Amid Houthi Attacks

ZURICH: The Asian Cup, set to take place in January 2027 across Saudi cities including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Khobar, may be postponed to 2028 due to escalating security concerns following a series of Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa stated that while there is no immediate rush to make a decision, the situation is being closely monitored. He emphasized, “We can wait until the end of November” to assess the security landscape before finalizing plans for Asia’s premier football tournament.

The recent surge in violence from the Iran-backed Houthi group has raised alarms about the safety of hosting such a significant event. The AFC is considering all options, including a potential delay, as regional stability remains uncertain. “Things can change very quickly for better or worse in the region,” al-Khalifa noted, highlighting the fluid nature of the current geopolitical climate.

As the AFC deliberates, the football community is left in suspense regarding the tournament’s fate. The organization aims to ensure the safety of players and fans alike, with a decision expected by late November. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr faced a delay in their Asian Champions League match, underscoring the impact of the ongoing conflict on sporting events.