Asian Cup Postponement Possible Amid Houthi Attacks in Saudi Arabia

Football's 2027 AFC Asian Cup, slated to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, faces a potential one-year delay to 2028 due to recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stated on Thursday that the continental tournament could be rescheduled if necessary, though organizers are not currently in a rush to make a decision. The tournament was originally scheduled to commence on January 7, 2027, in the Saudi cities of Jeddah, Riyadh, and al-Khobar.

Saudi Arabia has experienced a significant escalation in attacks from Yemen's Houthis in recent days. Al Khalifa mentioned on Wednesday in Zurich that a decision regarding the Asian Cup's fate could be made by the end of November, acknowledging that the regional situation can change rapidly. "We can wait until the end of November," he told reporters. "Things can change very quickly for better or worse in the region, and it is a question of seeing what happens." He added, "If we need to make a decision then we will, but we could move back a year to 2028 if we need to. But at the moment we are monitoring the situation and everything is on schedule."

The security concerns have already impacted sporting events. Cristiano Ronaldo's club, Al-Nassr, had their Asian Champions League match delayed by an hour on Monday after Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence reported intercepting a missile aimed at Riyadh. Additionally, three Saudi domestic football matches, including one featuring Al-Nassr, were postponed this week. The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, an exhibition event featuring top players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev, has been rescheduled to the end of December.

Concerns have also been raised by participating nations. Australia, one of the 24 teams qualified for the Asian Cup, stated it is