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2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia postponed after deadly attacks on host country
The Asian Football Confederation has rescheduled the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 after a series of deadly attacks on the host country, including a Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport that killed 13 people.
BBC World
The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed following a series of deadly attacks on the host country. The tournament had been scheduled to take place from 7 January to 5 February 2028 but will now run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.
The decision follows an October missile attack by Yemen's Houthi movement on Riyadh's airport, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.
In a statement, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said the decision to reschedule had been taken "in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions".
The confederation added that the new dates of the tournament will be presented to Fifa for approval.
The rescheduling also has consequences for European clubs. Aston Villa will have goalkeeper Zion Suzuki more available this season because of the change to the tournament's dates.
A number of events in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled recently, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition event, which was scheduled to be held in Riyadh.